On Monday, September 11, heavy rainfall brought by Storm Daniel caused two dams to burst in the city of Derna, destroying entire neighborhoods as well as major roads and bridges. The World Health Organization estimates nearly 4,000 people have died while other groups say the death toll is closer to 11,000. Thousands are injured or missing, tens of thousands have been displaced, and the damage is so severe there is no prospect of going back home.
“The death toll will increase and at least double for sure, but it could even quadruple given the force of the floods and the number of people still missing. Buildings where multiple generations of the same family all lived have been swept away. Drowned bodies are washing up on the roads, and every time the tide comes in it’s washing bodies back up. Buildings have collapsed and there are countless bodies in the rubble.
Lots of people are escaping the city, so Islamic Relief partners are starting to help people who have been displaced to a neighboring town and provide them with food and basic emergency shelter. But the numbers are staggering and much more aid is urgently needed.” – Salah Aboulgasem, Islamic Relief UK Deputy Director of Partner Development
On Tuesday, September 12, Islamic Relief launched an emergency response and is working with local partners to provide emergency relief including food and essential non-food items, such as blankets and mattresses.
Political volatility, long-term effects of the pandemic, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have all stifled Libya’s economy. Over 50% of the youth population is unemployed, one of the highest rates in the world. To add, Libya is home to various vulnerable populations including over 300,000 internally displaced people and nearly 700,000 returnees, as well as many refugees and migrants. Unfortunately, access to basic services including healthcare, education, and proper housing is made extremely difficult for them.
The Islamic Relief family has made a commitment of $250K to help families across Libya.
Together, with local partners, we are working to help provide those in need with the following:
So far, we’ve distributed more than 4,000 blankets and mattresses; 1,000 pillows, hygiene kits, and shoes; 600 food packages; and 200 portable stoves. Additionally, 6,900 liters of drinking water has been provided and 39,000 hot meals will be provided to affected communities over the course of 30 days.
Thanks to you, we’ve been able to accomplish so much. But there’s still so much more to do. By continuing to support our efforts in Libya, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.