Progress Update: Derna Storm Daniel Appeal

Libya in the UK sincerely thanks you for your generous donations to the Libya Emergency Appeal – Storm Daniel to support those affected by devastating floods in Derna. We are thankful to all the volunteers that helped in sending aid packages to Libya and continue to work to ensure that your donations reach those in Derna.  It is a testament to the strength, generosity and patience of the Libyan community for which we are deeply grateful. 

We would like to update our community on the critical work that Libya in the UK has undertaken on the Derna appeal. 

On Sunday 10 September 2023, Storm Daniel, the deadliest Mediterranean tropical like cyclone in recorded history, struck the Northeastern region of Libya. The storm burst two dams in Derna, swept away entire residential neighbourhoods, devastated more than a quarter of the city, caused 11,300 casualties and forced approximately 40,000 residents to leave their homes. 

The situation in Derna was unlike anything Libya had witnessed before and triggered a national and worldwide call for support. In Libya, citizens from across the country sprang to action to provide emergency rescue and relief. With its strong roots in Libya, the community in the UK was steadfast in its support for those affected by the flooding. On 11 September 2023, Libya in the UK launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to gather donations to contribute to the provision of aid resources to those in the Eastern region of Libya affected by Storm Daniel. By 13 September 2023, Libya in the UK had raised over £130,000.00. 

Since then, the Libya in the UK team has continued to work tirelessly to ensure that your donations are disbursed to those affected by flooding in Derna. In those efforts, Libya in the UK has had to grapple with difficult challenges and changing circumstances in the country. Despite an initial strong wave of support and promises of help, once the Derna catastrophe fell out of the news cycle, much of these promises unfortunately failed to materialise. As a result, the Libya in the UK team had to adapt and find effective ways of implementing the Derna appeal.

Earlier this year, our team visited Derna. We were honoured to meet with local organisations and residents and strengthen our ties to the local community. Our team was fortunate to gain a first-hand understanding of the current situation and relief needs as well as accelerate progress with our local partners to ensure that your donations reach those in need of relief, re-housing, and medical care after the floods. 

This includes working to support a grass roots campaign organised by Mubader which has restored around 144 residential buildings including 158 houses and apartments for over 300 families as well as restoring graveyards and mosques. The campaign supports low-income families displaced by the flooding by helping to clean and paint houses and provide necessities to make those houses liveable. Our team joined Mubader on a number of field visits to examine damaged homes, evaluate maintenance needs and check on the progress of work before the houses are handed over to families. 

Libya in the UK will continue its progress on the Libya Emergency Appeal – Storm Daniel campaign and ensure that your donations make a difference to those affected by the flooding. To support our efforts, Libya in the UK is collaborating with Bates Wells and the GlobalGiving foundation. 

For more information and further updates on this campaign and to volunteer for Libya in the UK please visit our website: www.libyaintheuk.org.