Islamic Relief launches appeal as catastrophic floods sweep Libya

Islamic Relief is appealing for support to help people suffering as unprecedented flooding devastates eastern Libya.

At least 5,200 people have died but around 10,000 more are still missing. The death toll is rising by the hour, as more information emerges.

The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation in Libya, Tamer Ramadan, has warned that, “the death toll is huge”.

The powerful floods – which came after Storm Daniel destroyed two dams in the region – have swept away entire neighbourhoods and destroyed homes, bridges and key roads.

Flooding hits Derna like a ‘tsunami’

Some communities are completely cut off and inaccessible.

Eye-witnesses report that vast parts of Derna city are completely destroyed and some areas have been swept into the sea. Over 1,500 Derna residents are feared to have died in the disaster, which has been described by Libyan government minister Hisham Chkiouat as, “like a tsunami” hit the area.

Benghazi, Soussa and Al-Marj cities are also affected by the flooding. Across the area, hundreds of thousands of people are affected and many have lost their homes.

Islamic Relief will be working with local partners on the ground to deliver food packs, blankets, mattresses and other vital aid, and has already committed an initial £100,000 to provide emergency aid.

Islamic Relief has launched an appeal to assist disaster-stricken families in Libya. Donate to our Libya Floods Appeal now.