The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a report detailing the devastating impact of Storm Daniel on Libya. The storm, which struck in early September, has led to the displacement of 40,000 people.
Derna, the city hardest hit by the storm, has seen at least 30,000 buildings damaged. Essential services such as electricity and water are under severe threat. The report highlights the urgent humanitarian needs in the region, including healthcare, food, water, shelter, and specialized assistance for vulnerable groups such as children and displaced persons.
The report also emphasizes the plight of children affected by the floods. With over 17,000 displaced children at risk of exploitation, child protection is a critical concern. The report identifies priority geographical areas for aid distribution, including Derna, Al Bayda, Al Marj, Benghazi, and Sousse.
The report further identifies priority groups for aid distribution within Derna. These include internally displaced populations, pregnant women, boys and girls, unaccompanied minors, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The main needs identified by OCHA include shelter, non-food items, health services, water and sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, protection measures, food security initiatives and livelihood support.
In light of these findings, OCHA has called on the international community to step up its humanitarian aid efforts to help Libya recover from this disaster.
