Families face devastating floods and landslides in northeastern Libya after Storm Daniel made landfall on September 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 breached, flooding the city. Buildings collapsed and entire neighborhoods were swept away. More than 5,000 people in coastal cities are presumed dead, according to local authorities — 2,300 in Derna alone. Another 10,000 people remain missing.
The storm also caused significant damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure, disrupted telecommunications networks and displaced at least 20,000 people, many of whom have taken refuge in local schools. People previously displaced by conflict in Libya are among the 2,500 people now living in 17 Benghazi schools.
UNICEF in Libya is distributing the necessary supplies
UNICEF in Libya is responding to the needs of people in danger, rushing in emergency aid, including 1,100 hygiene kits, vital medical supplies for 10,000 people and clothing sets for 500 children, coordinating distribution with the Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRC), a UNICEF Partner.
“UNICEF Libya expresses its deepest condolences to all the people who lost family members in Eastern Libya due to flooding,” UNICEF Libya Representative Michele Servadei posted on social media on September 11. “We are ready to support aid operations for displaced people, children and hospitals. We are in contact with the relevant authorities.”
In emergencies, UNICEF puts children first
Whenever disaster strikes, children are always among the most vulnerable. UNICEF is prepositioning emergency supplies to quickly reach those in need with life-saving assistance such as safe water, shelter, medical care and nutrition. In emergencies, UNICEF also provides child protection services, including family tracing to reunite children separated from their parents and caregivers, as well as psychosocial support.
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