Libya Emergency Flood Appeal

Responding to the devastating flooding in Libya, HRF has launched this emergency appeal to give support and relief to communities affected.

North Eastern Libya was hit by unprecedented flooding as Storm Daniel made landfall on Sunday 10^th September 2023. The resulting flash floods have washed away entire communities, collapsed dams, damaged vital infrastructure and brought havoc to the lives of ordinary Libyans. 

The city of Derna has borne the brunt of the flood’s destructive force. Reports from the city state that a massive humanitarian disaster is unfolding for survivors, with around 30,000 people displaced from their homes. Even more horrifying are reports of thousands of city residents being washed out to see by the powerful flood surge. As the days continue, bodies are being found washed up on the shore. 

As of 21st September, the World Health Organisation are reporting the death toll standing at approximately 4,000 people, with local organisations stating the toll to be in excess 11,000 as rescue operations continue.

Human Relief Foundation has partnered with WAFA Relief to deliver much needed aid to displaced residents who have fled the stricken city of Derna, to the relative safety of Misrata, situated in North east of the country. WAFA Relief (We Are For Africa), are specialists in delivering aid to regions of Africa and the perfect delivery partner for Human Relief Foundation, as we do not have a regional presence in Libya. The distribution of HRF funded aid was delivered by WAFA Relief, with supervision from the Red Crescent to assess where the need was greatest amongst the local community. 

Wafa Relief have been out in Misrata for seven days from 27 November to 4 December, to deliver vital food aid that could only be made available through individual donations and fantastic fundraising efforts made by groups like yourself. With infrastructure and supply lines still disrupted, as clean up efforts continue, we’ve been providing food parcels for flood victims. Approximately 600 people, including 120 families have benefitted from this first wave of delivery. Items included in the food parcels included:

• milk 
• oil 
• flour 
• rice 
• tomato puree
• cheese
• tuna 
• onions
• potatoes
• sugar
• water

Although particularly challenging, WAFA Relief signed an agreement with Libyan suppliers to procure the relevant food items for the aid packages, ensuring that funds stay in the country and benefit the Libyan economy in its time of need.

There is still much to do as we aid the recovery and future for those who have had lives devastated by this tragic event.

A single donation of £50 can provide immediate relief in the form of hot meals, water and first aid, to those who have lost everything.

A donation of £100 or more can provide shelter, mattresses and blankets to communities whose homes have been washed away by the powerful flood surge.