Families of loved ones in Libya say the floods are a catastrophe

A storm on Sunday led to flooding and two dams being breached

Salima Elzouki
Author: Katie LyonsPublished 14th Sep 2023

Families of the people caught up in the floods in Libya say it's a "catastrophe".

Salima Elzouki, from Bradford told us: "Unfortunately there is no contact, just when you get a message, yes we are safe, this will be enough for me."

She also said: "First of all, they need the medical aid, they need to rescue people first, because there are many still on the ground, they don't know how to get them out. Don't forget Libya, especially Derna hasn't recovered from the war".

What's happened in Libya?

Authorities are struggling to get aid to the eastern Libyan city of Derna, where thousands remained missing and tens of thousands were homeless.

Aid workers who managed to reach the city, which was cut off on Sunday night when flash floods washed away most of the access roads, described devastation in the city's centre, where search and rescue teams combed shattered apartment buildings for bodies and retrieved floating bodies offshore.

Storm Daniel caused deadly flooding in many towns of eastern Libya, but the worst-hit was Derna.

Floodwaters washed down Wadi Derna, a river running from the mountains through the city and into the sea.

Government sends aid

The UK Government has announced support "worth up to £1 million" for Libya.

The Foreign Office said the funding was an "initial package" to provide assistance for those most affected in the aftermath.

Britain is working with organisations on the ground to identify the most urgent needs including shelter, healthcare and sanitation and "stands ready" to give further support, it said.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: "The UK is committed to supporting Libya following these devastating floods.

"The funding announced today will provide life-saving assistance to those most affected by the floods, including women and children and those who have been displaced from their homes.

"We will continue to co-ordinate closely with the UN and the Libyan authorities on what further support may be required."

Salima is now fundraising for Islamic Relief, Penny Appeal and Libyan Helping Hands.

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