Over the weekend of September 9th, Mediterranean Storm Daniel passed through eastern Libya and brought heavy rainfall and large-scale flooding to the area, resulting in the collapse of two critical dams. The coastal city of Derna was severely impacted, leaving at least 11,300 people killed and 10,100 missing. The flooding has also displaced at least 30,000 people.
Rescue teams are continuing to search wrecked buildings in the city center as divers search the ocean surrounding Derna. Libya’s lack of equipment, isolation, and tumultuous political landscape makes the situation even more dire. The global community is mobilizing rapid and extensive humanitarian aid to provide shelter, food, water, and medical care for affected families. International assistance will play a crucial role in addressing both immediate needs and facilitating long-term response efforts.
As we look to build that response, we know that giving in this region must be done with great care and diligence. CAF America is committed to supporting the vital relief efforts underway to recover from this devastating disaster. We have reached out to all of our eligible charities in the region to confirm their work in response to the disaster.
As an organization committed to enabling cross-border charitable giving, CAF America stands ready to assist US donors wanting to support the ongoing relief efforts. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can do to assist you: info@cafamerica.org or 202-793-2232.
Organizations Responding to the Floods in Libya
The organizations in the list below are working to provide relief and are currently vetted and eligible to receive grants from CAF America. You can support their work by clicking on the organization name or by contacting your fund manager to make a grant from your fund.
Organizations in the United States
Airlink: Airlink is currently assisting with airlift operations via Cairo as well as ground transportation in northeast Libya to facilitate the delivery of aid to their NGO partners.
Flexport.org: Because the only aid that matters is the aid that arrives, Flexport.org is currently organizing shipments of requested and needed humanitarian supplies with our experienced partners to help improve the lives of people impacted by the recent flooding in Libya.
Organizations around the World
Action for Humanity: An Action For Humanity emergency response team is on their way to Derna in Libya, a city harshly affected by the flooding, where more than 700 have already been buried. At this moment, northeast Libya is in severe need of medical care and psychological support, food, medicine, water, and hygiene supplies.
Al-Khair Foundation: Al-Khair Foundation has set up an emergency appeal for food, medical, & hygiene supplies; shelter/tents, cooking kits, and other support.
International Committee Of The Red Cross: The ICRC is already working in Libya to protect and assist communities affected by conflict – including in moments of emergency. In such times, the IRC help people by responding to their immediate needs, ensuring the provision of essential services and helping reunite family members who have been separated. They also work closely with the Libya Red Crescent Society (LRCS) and local authorities to jointly strengthen capacity to confront humanitarian crises.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: The IFRC is already working in Libya to protect and assist communities affected by conflict – including in moments of emergency. In such times, they are helping people by responding to their immediate needs, ensuring the provision of essential services and helping reunite family members who have been separated. The IFRC also works closely with the Libya Red Crescent Society (LRCS) and local authorities to jointly strengthen capacity to confront humanitarian crises.
Islamic Relief Canada: Islamic Relief is working through local partners to conduct immediate needs assessments and provide relief to those affected by the floods. They are focused on providing urgent food supplies, emergency shelter and basic essentials at the moment.
Libyan Helping Hands: In these darkest hours, Libyan Helping Hands stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Libya . Their dedicated teams are working tirelessly on the ground to provide essential aid to the communities affected by this heart-wrenching storm.
Libya in the UK: Libya in the UK is gathering donations to provide aid to those affected by the floods. They will distribute resources through local humanitarian organizations, providing food, basic needs items, and emergency shelter. They are currently collaborating with the Libyan Red Crescent for emergency care, as well as the Benghazi Commission for Scouts and Guides.
