Devastation Unleashed: Libya’s Deadly Floods – How You Can Help!

In a heartbreaking catastrophe, Tropical Storm Daniel has wreaked havoc on Libya’s eastern coastal city of Derna, claiming the lives of over 2,300 people, while over 10,000 individuals remain missing. This natural disaster unfolded when the storm breached two dams that had previously shielded Derna from flooding. Approximately 30 million cubic meters of water surged through the city, obliterating entire neighborhoods. Other cities in northeastern Libya also felt the storm’s devastating impact.

Tamer Ramadan, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation in Libya, expressed the gravity of the situation during a press conference in Geneva, stating, “The death toll is huge.” Derna, a coastal city nestled on the Mediterranean, is home to around 90,000 residents.

Adding to North Africa’s woes, this disaster occurred just days after Morocco was struck by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, claiming at least 3,000 lives and erasing entire villages from the map.

However, even in the face of such devastating natural disasters, aid workers and observers of Libya fear that the country’s political divisions could hinder relief efforts. The areas hardest hit by the flood are under the control of commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army.

Libya has endured protracted conflict, with a six-year civil war raging from 2014 to 2020. Today, it remains deeply divided, with Haftar holding sway in the east, and the U.N.-backed Government of National Unity, led by Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, in control of the west. Haftar’s siege of Derna in 2017 culminated in its capture in 2019, leaving the city ravaged by war. Abdulkader Assad, a political editor at the Libya Observer, expressed concerns about aid reaching Derna, given its war-torn status and the eastern government’s lack of sufficient relief teams. The success of relief efforts hinges on international support.

Despite these formidable challenges, humanitarian organizations are stepping up to help the flood victims in Libya:

1. Islamic Relief Worldwide: Islamic Relief Worldwide has launched an appeal for financial assistance to aid those affected by the floods in Libya. They are collaborating with local partners on the ground to provide essential items such as food, blankets, mattresses, and more. The organization has already committed an initial £100,000 ($125,000) for emergency relief. You can find more information on how to donate here.
2. Libya in the UK: Run by Libyan young people residing in Britain, Libya in the UK is working closely with the Libyan Red Crescent, which is active in Libya. Donations can be made via their GoFundMe page, or you can learn more about the organization here.
3. CARE International: As an international humanitarian organization, CARE has been providing assistance in Libya since 2021. To support their efforts, you can explore donation options on their website.
4. International Medical Corps: Operating with an in-country team in Libya, the International Medical Corps is offering shelter, mobile health systems, water, sanitation, and hygiene resources to flood victims. They are collaborating with Libya’s Ministry of Health and local organizations to assess further assistance requirements. Donations can be made here.
5. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): Having previously assisted in Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi during the aftermath of the Libyan civil war, IFRC continues to provide rehabilitation and economic support. They have called for support from all international actors in the wake of this large-scale disaster in Libya.

The road to recovery for Derna and other affected areas in Libya is steep, but with international solidarity and the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations, there is hope that this shattered region can rebuild and find solace in the face of nature’s relentless fury.