Excessive rain has caused two dams in Libya, near Derna, to burst resulting in the tragic loss of thousands of lives and the complete submergence of entire neighbourhoods as they were washed away by the floodwaters.
Thousands of people are unaccounted for in Derna and other affected areas according to an official government agency.
Rescue operations are in progress. However, the extent to which aid has reached the affected families remains uncertain. The catastrophic floods have isolated Derna, making it difficult for relief efforts to reach the city.
Please pray for those who are suffering and for the many charities that are responding to the crisis. You can support them by making a one-off or regular donation by signing into your Stewardship Giving Account or making a gift directly.
Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger is supporting the local Libyan Red Crescent to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the catastrophic flooding which has severely affected the eastern part of Libya, caused by Storm Daniel.
“Our teams in Libya are supporting local partners with the distribution of food packages, hygiene kits and other essential items,” said Jean-Michel Grand, Executive Director of Action Against Hunger UK.
British Red Cross
In response to the catastrophic flooding in Libya, British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected. The Libyan Red Crescent is helping deliver vital aid to survivors in the flooded areas and is supporting with rescue efforts. This includes:
• First aid and medical assistance
• Search and rescue
• Evacuating families
• Provision of food, water, emergency shelter kits and other relief items
Christian Aid
Christian Aid is working with Dan Church Aid, their Act Alliance partner who has a long-established presence in Libya, to send emergency supplies for the most pressing needs, such as:
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Medical assistance, supplies and pharmaceuticals
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Emergency shelter
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Sanitation and hygiene kits
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Food
Longer term, Dan Church Aid will support rubble clearance and reconstruction efforts, using mechanical assets. A future response phase will focus on meeting even more acute needs as winter approaches.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee provides vital health care and protection to vulnerable Libyans, refugees and migrants who have now experienced more than 10 years of protracted crisis and recurring conflict.
Ciaran Donnelly, IRC Senior Vice President for Crisis Response, Recovery and Development said:
“The IRC is conducting a joint needs assessment alongside other NGOs and we will be scaling up our services to support those affected by the floods. In Derna alone, 6,000 people are feared to be missing, leaving over 20,000 displaced and without homes or basic necessities. The challenges are immense, with phone lines down and heavy destruction hampering rescue efforts.
Support International Rescue Committee
UNICEF
UNICEF is supporting the Government of Libya to reach affected children and families with life-saving supplies and services. Their priority is to ensure children and families have access to clean water, medical supplies, family tracing and reunification, and psychosocial support.
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Medical supplies for 10,000 people
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Hygiene kits for more than 1,000 people
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Clothes for 500 children
Teams are also planning support for communities over the longer term. This includes repairs to infrastructure, schools, health centres, water supply and sanitation facilities.
We’ll be updating our list of Stewardship charity partners and fundraisers that are responding to the crisis.
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