Libya flood disaster: UN relief chief releases US$10 million from CERF

Men unloading boxes from a truck, while a man wearing an IOM vest looks on

IOM Libya has dispatched urgent humanitarian assistance including supplies of essential non-food items and medical aid to areas most affected by the catastrophic Storm Daniel. IOM

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths – on Libya

“The scale of the flood disaster in Libya is shocking and it is heartbreaking. Entire neighbourhoods have been wiped off the map. Whole families, taken by surprise, were swept away in the deluge of water. Thousands have died, tens of thousands are now homeless and many more remain unaccounted for.

We are all hands on deck to get as much help and support to people as we can. I commend Libya's neighbours and other countries who have stepped up promptly, sending in search and rescue teams, doctors, and supplies. The UN is on the ground, and we are deploying a robust team to support and resource the international response, in coordination with first responders and Libya's authorities.

I immediately released US$10 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund and an appeal has just been released for $71.4 million aiming to help 250,000 people. Getting lifesaving supplies to people, prevent a secondary health crisis, and swiftly restore some kind of normality must override any other concern at this difficult time for Libya.”

Geneva, 14 September 2023