Catastrophic flooding has severely affected the eastern part of Libya, caused by Storm Daniel. The coastal city of Derna has been worst hit, as two dams upstream from the town burst under pressure from the floods, causing a trail of devastation, leaving thousands dead and many trapped in their homes.
“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.
According to a spokesperson for Libya’s eastern administration, 5,300 people have died in Derna, with a further 7,000 injured, 10,000 missing and 40,000 displaced. Local organisations have reported an urgent need for food, water, hygiene, sanitation and basic necessities.
Before the floods, more than 1.5 million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance due to the complex and fragile political crisis facing the country.
The recent catastrophe will further increase Libya’s humanitarian needs. However, coordinating humanitarian assistance in Libya is challenging as UN coordination mechanisms in the country have been dismantled.
Action Against Hunger has launched an emergency appeal to support people affected by the disaster in Libya.
Action Against Hunger in Libya
Action Against Hunger has been working in Libya since 2019 with projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of people affected by the conflict and improving livelihoods for the most vulnerable communities.
The organisation is working in rural areas of Tripoli and Sabha, rehabilitating primary health care centres and improving free access to primary health care for all.
Food security and livelihood projects are being implemented in Sabha and Ubari communities. It supports vulnerable farmers and especially women involved in agriculture to improve their living conditions through agroecological farming methods.