UNICEF is reaching children and families with emergency supplies after Storm Daniel swamped northeastern Libya, collapsing dams and washing away entire villages.
A boy pulls a suitcase past debris in a flash-flood damaged area in Derna, eastern Libya, on Sept. 11, 2023.
© UNICEF/UNI434932/AFP
Families are facing catastrophic flooding and landslides in northeastern Libya after Storm Daniel came ashore on Sept. 10, 2023, inundating communities along the country’s Mediterranean coast with sudden, torrential rains.
Authorities declared the port city of Derna a disaster zone after two dams were breached, flooding the city. Buildings collapsed and whole neighborhoods were swept away. More than 5,000 people in coastal towns are presumed dead, according to news reports — 2,300 in Derna alone. Another 10,000 people remain missing.
The storm also caused significant damage to roads and other infrastructure, disrupted telecommunications networks and displaced families. Individuals who were previously displaced by conflict in Libya — many of whom are from Tawergha and who were living in Benghazi when the storm hit — are now sheltering in Benghazi schools.
Men walk past debris of buildings damaged by flash floods in Derna, eastern Libya, on Sept. 11, 2023.
© UNICEF/UNI435002/AFP
UNICEF Libya is distributing urgently needed supplies
UNICEF Libya is responding to the needs of people caught in harm’s way, rushing in emergency aid, including 1,100 hygiene kits and vital medical supplies for 10,000 people and essential clothing kits for 500 children.
“UNICEF Libya expresses deep condolences to all people who lost family members in East Libya due to floods,” UNICEF Libya Representative Michele Servadei posted on social media on Sept. 11. “We stand ready to support relief operations for the displaced, children and in hospitals. We are in touch with relevant authorities.”
People survey damage caused by floods in Derna, eastern Libya, on Sept. 11, 2023.
© UNICEF/UNI434931/AFP
In emergencies, UNICEF puts children first
Whenever disaster strikes, children are always among the most vulnerable. UNICEF prepositions emergency supplies to rapidly reach those in need with lifesaving assistance, including safe water, medical care, nutrition, child protection and psychosocial support.
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