Action Against Hunger responds to severe flooding in Libya

Catastrophic flooding caused by Storm Daniel has severely affected eastern Libya. The coastal city of Derna is the hardest hit area after 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.

Action Against Hunger has been working in Libya since 2019 with projects to strengthen the resilience of people affected by the conflict and improve livelihoods for the most vulnerable communities. The organization has launched an emergency appeal to support people affected by flooding.

“Our teams in Libya are ready to support the local Libyan Red Crescent in the distribution of food packages, hygiene kits, and other essential items for 1,000 affected people,” said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger.

According to a spokesperson for the government in eastern Libya, there are 5,300 people dead in Derna, with a further 7,000 injured, 10,000 missing, and 40,000 displaced. Local organizations report an urgent need for food, water, hygiene, sanitation, and basic necessities.

Before the floods, more than 1.5 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance. For more than a decade, Libya has been experiencing a complex political crisis, resulting in a fractured government. The recent catastrophe will further increase Libya’s humanitarian needs.