Libya

In September 2023, the devastating impact of Storm Daniel led to catastrophic flooding in eastern Libya. The natural disaster struck a country with already weakened state structures and significantly exacerbated existing humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.

Unstable political situation exacerbates humanitarian situation

Following the overthrow of dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011, Libya fractured into rival factions. As a result of this political situation, the population has been living for years in a climate of violence and insecurity, combined with a dramatic shortage of basic services. According to the United Nations, more than 800,000 people in Libya are in need of humanitarian assistance, many of them migrants and internally displaced persons. Infrastructure such as water and electricity supply, as well as the public health system, is in poor condition due to the ongoing conflict and lack of maintenance, leaving the population inadequately provided for.

Flood disaster 2023: Injuries, homelessness and hunger

The extreme rainfall in September 2023 was the heaviest Libya has experienced in more than 40 years. The coastal city of Derna was particularly hard hit, where two dams collapsed and entire neighborhoods were swept away by floodwaters. International organizations estimate that more than 11,000 people were killed, and tens of thousands were injured or left homeless. In Derna alone, more than 30,000 people lost their homes. Nationwide, over 250,000 people were affected by the floods. The lack of access to clean drinking water, medical care, and functioning infrastructure significantly intensified the humanitarian crisis.

The situation in Libya

  • Libya is considered a transit country for many refugees from African countries, especially Sudan
  • The situation in the country's refugee camps is considered catastrophic
  • About 800,000 people need humanitarian aid, both locals and refugees
  • The flood disaster in 2023 claimed more than 11,000 lives
  • In the Human Development Index (HDI), Libya ranks 115th out of 193 countries, placing it among the countries with the lowest development levels in North Africa

Emergency aid, medical care and food

Together with local partners, action medeor began emergency relief efforts immediately after the disaster by providing hot meals to those affected. In addition, medicines and medical supplies were transported from the camp in Tönisvorst to the disaster area. This included bandages, surgical gloves, infusions, painkillers, antibiotics, examination materials, syringes and oxygen concentrators.

However, the situation in the affected areas remains critical and requires further humanitarian efforts.</p

„Among the 250,000 people affected were 55,000 internally displaced persons, who are particularly dependent on national and international solidarity. action medeor has set itself the goal of helping to maintain and improve healthcare for these people.“

Axel Dechamps
Humanitarian emergency and relief aid action medeor

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