*This report is a product of the DEEP Remote Analysis Team comprising analysts and other professionals from Data Friendly Space (DFS). DFS wants to acknowledge the significant contributions of its staff to the analytical process, as well as their roles in the publication and finalisation of this report. The DEEP Remote Analysis Team has worked to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the findings presented herein. DFS appreciates the collaborative effort in bringing forth this comprehensive report, reflecting the combined expertise of all teams involved.
Main facts:
By the end of September 2023, Hurricane Daniel left 4,255 dead and 40,018 displaced, of which about 17,000 are children. About 8,548 to 10,000 are still unaccounted for. Field assessments estimate that at least 30,805 buildings have been affected. Essential services like electricity and water were heavily compromised particularly in Derna. While electricity services are partially restored, the government has asked for international support to restore access to safe water. Over the last 10 days humanitarian access has improved significantly while the immediate needs remain health care, food, water, shelter and food, with vulnerable groups such as children and displaced persons requiring specialized assistance.
Priority needs:
Urgent needs prioritize shelter, warm clothing for the approaching cold season, medical aid (including health equipment and psychological support), equipment for restoring access to safe water as well as medical equipment, and food. With rapidly increasing prices of water trucking and food, cash support in locations where markets are functional is becoming increasingly more needed. Secondary needs comprise safe sanitation and protection measures, notably for unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups.
Priority geographical areas:
Derna: Bearing the heaviest impact from the collapsed dams, 90% of the area has been affected resulting in 3,979 buildings damaged and 24,500 individuals displaced. Derna's housing crisis necessitates urgent establishment of temporary shelters in nearby coastal areas and access to safe water to avoid further disease outbreaks and losses of lives.
Albayda, Almarj, and Benghazi: These regions, already hosting conflict-displaced populations from Tawergha, have over 7,000 individuals displaced as result of the hurricane and flooding. While the majority of these displaced individuals have found temporary shelter, they urgently need supplies, including water, food, and medicines.
Sousa: 3,602 buildings have been affected by the floods in Sousa, leaving about 1,000 individuals displaced. Consequently Sousa ranks fourth in the reported numbers of buildings affected, after Derna, Albayda and Benghazi.
Priority affected groups: Population displaced within Derna, especially pregnant women, boys, girls, unaccompanied minors, elderly and persons with disabilities.
Shelter/NFI: While Benghazi reported 13,947 buildings affected by the floods, reports suggest Derna raking second with 3,979 buildings. Community solidarity in supporting displaced individuals is growing stronger. Approaching cold season is aggravating the situation, urging aid organizations to find quick solutions for shelter and warm clothing.
Health: Health sector has increasing focus on disease surveillance and increasing medical aid. Health risks such as water-borne diseases are already on the rise with 238 cases of diarrhea reported just within four days, of which 55 cases were among children. There is increasing urgency to ensure health promotion activities in affected communities. Several temporary health centers have already been set up and delivery of medical services, including psychological support, urgent equipment and medicine is ongoing.
WASH: In Benghazi the government has almost drained all water from the Wadi Jazza dam to alleviate pressure and avoid further damages. However, access to clean water in flood affected areas remains the top priority. While Derna's sewage system is largely decimated, cities like Almkhaili, Bayada and Sousa have been heavily relying on water trucking increasing the prices 40-60% making it unaffordable for many. GCWW is in urgent need of technical knowhow and human resources to help restore safety of water points. At least 32,000 water purification tablets and over 2,500 hygiene kits that have been provided to affected communities.
Protection: About 17,000 children are displaced and in heightened risk of exploitation and other protection threats. Over the last week there are increasing reports of situations where the vulnerabilities of affected populations have been exploited. Some areas have reported high risks of thefts due to lack of electricity. Besides the elderly, people with disabilities, women, girls and children, their group of displaced that have been temporarily placed in collective accommodation need special attention to monitor and address potential protection risks. Protection projects are ongoing, including child protection and family tracing.
Food Security and Livelihoods: Floods have worsened an existing food scarcity in Derna, and in other flood affected areas. The situation is further aggravated by merchants that are exploiting the crises and have significantly increased prices for basic food. Critical needs include ready meals, dry rations, and infant nutrition, as well as cash for food support, while at least over 16,000 individuals have received food aid.
