Mere days after the disastrous earthquake that struck the southern provinces of Morocco, it’s now Libya that is currently experiencing soaring levels of hardship and life-threatening danger.
Since Sept. 10, the northeastern city of Derna has undergone severe levels of flooding following what has been labeled as the ”deadliest and costliest Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone ever recorded in history.” Sweeping and submerging entire neighborhoods, and annihilating 25% of the town since its initial breakout, Storm Daniel (name given to the typhoon by both experts and the media) has been responsible for the uprooting of 40,000 individuals from their homes to other regions of the North African country, with the United Nations (UN) reporting the loss of at least 11,000 lives while a further 10,000 still remain missing— numbers that Libyan authorities heavily dispute.
Almost a week day-for-day since the tragedy began, its impact and aftermath are still tangibly being felt as survivors have since been left traumatized and unsheltered for the most part, and are at risk of several water-borne viruses which range from cholera to diarrhea according to UN agencies.
With Libya’s political instability still plaguing the nation’s governance and security, the path to recovery from this record-breaking disaster is expected to take longer than expected; especially when coupled with the cyclone’s damage made to surrounding roads, rendering access to the most affected and afflicted zones tougher than it already is. As a substantial amount of inhabitants still lack some of the most basic necessities and services, such as clean water, shelter, and medical care, the humanitarian response is of utmost importance to mitigate further suffering and help rebuild shattered lives.
According to official reports published over the weekend, the United Nations has launched an aid appeal of just over $70M to come in support of the ongoing recovery efforts. However, given the extensive scale at which the flood has devastated the region, many experts believe that the aid requirement will almost adamantly surpass this initial funding, making it imperative for the international community to come together and provide the necessary support. And as they do, we have taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of initiatives and recognized charities to complement current efforts being made on the ground to ensure that distressed communities do indeed receive the comprehensive assistance they require at this time.
Below, five organizations actively engaged in relief and recovery operations that we invite you to join, support, and help make a difference with.
- Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief will be working with local partners on the ground to deliver food packs, blankets, mattresses and other vital aid to affected communities. They have already committed an initial $124,000 to provide emergency aid.
- The Libyans Clubs
The Libyans Club has taken a proactive approach to ensure that the funds raised for the victims of Storm Daniel are put to the best possible use. They have partnered up with reputable charities based in Benghazi, who have a deep understanding of the ground and their urgent needs.
- Libya in the UK LTD
This charity is collecting donations that will contribute to the provision of all necessary aid resources to survivors in affected areas. The resources collected will be distributed through local humanitarian organizations. They are working directly and closely with the Red Crescent.
- Charity 02 + Human Appeal
Human Appeal, in collaboration with its trusted partners, is stepping up to provide life-saving relief, delivering vital support in the form of food, clean water, medical aid and shelter to affected communities.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
IRC is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization that can be labeled as one of the bodies leading the charge in supporting local communities since the beginning of the catastrophe. Through one-time or monthly donations, the charity has pledged to help displaced families rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing crisis, fostering resilience, and enabling communities to regain their self-sufficiency, and most importantly, their dignity