The European Commission reiterated its commitment to help Libya Thursday, saying that an initial amount of 500,00 euros ($534,000) has been released to cover the country's most urgent needs following devastating floods. European Union countries also sent help in various forms, from shelters and generators to medical teams and search-and-rescue helicopters. Libyan health officials have confirmed 5,500 deaths and say 9,000 people are still missing after the country was ravaged by an unusually strong Mediterranean storm on Sunday night.