Libya floods wash away villages

UNICEF is rushing urgent aid to children and families affected by the floods in Libya.

Families are facing catastrophic flooding and landslides in northeastern Libya after Storm Daniel impacted communities along the country's Mediterranean coast with sudden, torrential rains on September 11, 2023.

The port city of Derna is a disaster zone after two dams were breached, flooding the city. Buildings collapsed and whole neighbourhoods were swept away. More than 6,000 people in coastal towns in Libya are reported to have died, another 10,000 people remain missing.

Storm Daniel and the Libya floods have also caused significant damage to roads, electricity grids and other infrastructure. Schools and hospitals have been destroyed, telecommunication networks disrupted, and families displaced.

How UNICEF is Responding to the Libya Floods

UNICEF Libya is responding to the needs of people caught in this crisis, rushing in emergency aid, including 1,100 hygiene kits and vital medical supplies for 10,000 people and essential clothing kits for hundreds of children. UNICEF has provided support to children in Libya since 1957.

"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."

How your donation will help children in Libya

Whenever disaster strikes, children are always among the most vulnerable, and in Libya children represent almost a third of the people impacted.

Your donation will help  UNICEF provide children and families affected by the Libya floods with life-saving assistance, including safe water, medical care, nutrition, child protection and psychosocial support.