On Sunday 10 September, Storm Daniel hit Libya. More than 11,300 people are known to have died after the catastrophic Mediterranean storm burst two dams and flooded the eastern port city of Derna.

Over 10,000 people are missing after torrents of water and debris swept away entire districts. Bodies are being recovered from the sea.

Storm Daniel has destroyed houses and utility supplies, leaving many areas without any electrical power or water. Families seeking refuge at shelters have lost everything.

Hundreds of homes are buried under mud and debris, and the fear is that many people are also buried in the mud. 

People are without the basics such as access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities to prevent the risk of diseases.

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Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to people hit by disaster. By joining us, you can help people in need rebuild their lives.

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What is Christian Aid doing in response?

Christian Aid is working with Dan Church Aid, our Act Alliance partner who have a long-established presence in Libya, to send emergency supplies for the most pressing needs, such as: 

  • Medical assistance, supplies and pharmaceuticals
  • Emergency shelter
  • Sanitation and hygiene kits 
  • Food

Longer term, Dan Church Aid will look to contribute rubble clearance and reconstruction efforts, using mechanical assets. With winter approaching, needs will become even more acute, and a feature of a future response phase will be winterisation. 

You can help local responders make a huge difference to so many people who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. 

Rescue teams have arrived from countries including Egypt, Tunisia, Italy, Spain and Turkey to work alongside the local authorities. 

Please donate what you can today

Libya is facing a crisis

Even before this latest disaster, Libya has been beset by the lack of a unified government, with rival factions in the east and west of the country jostling for power.

Several humanitarian partners expressed serious concerns of increasing human trafficking and smuggling networks targeting vulnerable migrants in Libya.

Rainfall associated with devastating storms like this are being supercharged by the climate crisis, scientists are confident in saying.

People are facing crisis on crisis. 

By joining us, you can help people rebuild

You can help local responders make a huge difference to so many people who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

Donate now

A prayer for Libya

Lord Jesus, you’re familiar with grief, you know what it is to weep with those who are suffering.

You’re close to the brokenhearted and comfort those who mourn.

Devastating flooding has led to losses beyond measure for the people of Libya.

With so many thousands affected, help us to see beyond the numbers to real communities and families whose lives have been upturned.

We pray that you would strengthen those who are still fighting to survive, and the rescue workers trying to save them.

We pray that you would console those who fear the worst as they wait for news.

We pray that you would be with all who are traumatised and deeply grieving.

Show us, Lord, how to serve you by helping our neighbours in Libya.

When we are daunted by the scale of the disaster, inspire us with your Spirit that we may know how to make a difference.

We thank you for the work of aid agencies on the ground and for all who give what they can to help save lives and support survivors.

You’re close to the brokenhearted Lord. Be close to the people of Libya, we pray.

Amen