Libya: One Year Later

by Zana Sahyouni, IRUSA Communications Specialist

On September 11, 2023, heavy rainfall brought by Storm Daniel caused two dams to burst in Derna, Libya, releasing huge volumes of water that raced down the valley and engulfed the area, destroying roads and bridges, killing over 4,000 people. IRUSA staff, along with local humanitarian responses, moved as quickly as possible to provide urgent aid to survivors. They were able to provide 39,000 hot meals, 4,100 blankets, 4,100 mattresses, 1,100 pillows, 1,100 pairs of shoes, 1,100 hygiene kits (including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, comb, bath soap, towels, and sanitary pads), 440 baby items (diapers and baby clothing), 220 kitchen utensils, 220 portable stoves, 600 food kits, and 6,900 liters of drinking water.

One year later, Islamic Relief USA is still implementing emergency and long-term development in the region through trusted partners. Right now, we have four ongoing projects underway in Libya, and one that has been fulfilled: Supporting the Recovery of Vulnerable Communities Affected by Derna Floods, Emergency Flood Response in East of Libya, Emergency Relief for Libya, Libya Flood Response, and Rapid Response to the Flood Disaster in Eastern Libya.

Thanks to donors like you who stepped up, we’ve supported thousands of people in Libya. But when a community is impacted by an emergency, the road to rebuilding requires long-term attention and support.

Efforts like these are only possible through your support. When you donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Aid fund, you tell vulnerable families all across the Middle East that they matter and you are there for them. So, continue to support this essential fund to make emergency aid and long-term support possible all across the region.