In response to the catastrophic aftermath of Storm Daniel, the Turkish Red Crescent has embarked on a mission to deliver more than 150 tonnes of essential humanitarian aid to flood-ravaged Libya. The calamitous flooding, triggered by the storm, has claimed the lives of thousands of people, leaving thousands more in dire need of assistance.
The comprehensive aid package, dispatched by the Turkish Red Crescent, comprises a range of crucial supplies, including food, hygiene materials, clothing, masks, flashlights, communication devices, candles, and batteries. The aid reached the flood-stricken victims through a combination of air and sea transportation, as outlined in an official statement by the organisation.
Furthermore, the Turkish Red Crescent’s efforts extended to providing hot meals via a mobile feeding vehicle, offering immediate relief to those affected. The organisation has also revealed plans to prepare an additional 78 tonnes of humanitarian aid, consisting of blankets, food provisions, and hygiene kits, to further support the disaster-stricken region.
In the wake of the devastating floods, over 40,000 people have been displaced in Libya’s northeastern areas, which bore the brunt of heavy rains over a week ago, as reported by the United Nations. Significantly, a recent report by the World Weather Attribution Group, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, highlighted the role of climate change in intensifying the disaster in this North African nation.
Storm Daniel struck northeastern Libya on September 11, inflicting extensive damage along the coastal regions, particularly in Derna and Al Bayda. According to the UN’s weather agency, the heavy storms resulted in the bursting of two dams in Derna, causing entire neighbourhoods to be swept into the sea. The catastrophic flooding reached its peak in northeastern Libya, accompanied by fierce winds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, disrupting communications and causing the collapse of electricity towers and trees.
In response to the crisis, Libya’s Presidency Council has issued an appeal to friendly nations and international humanitarian organisations for assistance in the flood-stricken eastern region. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, the head of Libya’s unity government based in Tripoli, declared disaster zones in all areas impacted by the deadly flooding and announced a three-day period of national mourning.