In less than one week, two devastating emergencies have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, homes and crucial resources.
On 8 September, a powerful earthquake struck at 11:11pm local time in several cities of Morocco when many families and children were asleep. Around 2 million people, including over 600,000 children, live in the areas that experienced the strongest impacts of the earthquake, and where the likelihood of damage and casualties is highest.
As we monitor the situation in Morocco in the aftermath of its deadliest earthquake in 60 years, a new emergency is unfolding in Libya, affecting thousands of innocent children and families.
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What is happening in Libya?
On 11 September, Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in the country's east, affecting most of the region where over 664,000 people live, including around 283,000 children.
As in any emergency, children are always among the most vulnerable. Many children and families displaced by the Libya floods urgently need assistance, including psychosocial support to help them process their distressing experiences.
Two dams have also collapsed under the pressure of the storm, sweeping entire neighbourhoods into the sea, destroying homes and devastating communities.
Extensive damage is reported in most cities in the affected regions of Al Bayda, Al Marj and mainly, Derna, where six schools have also been damaged so far.
How is UNICEF responding?
Since 1957, UNICEF has provided support to the children in Libya. In the wake of widespread displacement from the flooding, UNICEF is responding with urgency and has so far:
- Distributed 1,100 hygiene kits
- Supplied vital medical supplies for 10,000 people
- Provided essential clothing kits for 500 children
As the situation evolves, UNICEF continues to engage with the Libyan authorities to determine the best course of action. But more support is needed to help children in Libya now and in the future.
Donate to the Libya Floods Crisis
UNICEF is always there before, during and after emergencies
We can’t stop emergencies from happening, but we can ensure that more children survive. When disaster strikes, our teams on the ground can act quickly to deliver life-saving support and will continue to be there in the aftermath to help restore vital health, nutrition, and education programs.
UNICEF will always be there for children, no matter what. Please help us go further and faster to help children in Libya impacted by the devastating floods today.
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