*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.
On 10 September 2023, Libya was severely impacted by Hurricane Daniel. As of 25 September there have been no significant updates on the impact of the hurricane compared to the report of 20 September. The number of confirmed deaths increased from 4,006 to 4,014, with 8,500 individuals unaccounted. Derna and surrounding districts – the most severely hit areas after the collapse of two dams – reported damage to over 2,217 buildings, totalling to about $19 billion in infrastructure losses. Essential services, including electricity and water, were heavily compromised; electricity has been partially restored.
Priority needs: Urgent needs prioritise shelter, warm clothing for 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 emphasis on ready-to-eat meals and infant care). Secondary needs comprise safe sanitation, fuel for water trucks, and protection measures, notably for unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups.
Priority geographical areas: Bearing the heaviest impact from the collapsed dams, Derna's housing crisis necessitates urgent establishment of temporary shelters in nearby coastal areas. With a staggering 95% of its population lacking regular water and hygiene access and 60%concerned about water-related risks, immediate interventions for clean water and hygiene essentials are pivotal. Moreover, despite some supermarkets and bakeries resuming, food security remains a major concern. A vast 99% of households face challenges accessing daily food due to increased prices, necessitating immediate food relief measures. Albayda, Almarj, and Benghazi: These regions, already hosting conflict-displaced populations from Tawergha, are now grappling with new displacements due to the floods. Relocated populations in city schools urgently require supplies, including water, food, and medicines. Al Mkheley: Despite the return of approximately 200 flood-displaced families, the inhabitability of their homes accentuates the urgent need for shelter solutions and non-food items (NFIs). Sousa: The area has the biggest network of roads that got affected by the floods and is also in urgent need for shelter support due to over 3500 buildings damaged or destroyed with the storm and floods. Consequently Sousa ranks fourth in the reported numbers of people affected, after Derna, Albayda and Benghazi.Key Developments
Priority affected groups: Population displaced within Derna, especially pregnant women, boys, girls, unaccompanied minors, elderly and persons with disabilities.
Shelter/NFI: Derna suffered major damage, resulting in 25% of the city disappearing and damage to 2,176 buildings, with 2,217 more destroyed. Heavily affected were also Albayda, Almarj, Benghazi and Sousa. Only a fraction of the 30,000 displaced have found shelter.Warm clothes and gas are becoming increasingly important NFI needs to face the cold season.
Health: In Derna and surrounding districts, 63% of hospitals and 52% of PHCs, including Al Bayada Rural Hospital and Diabetes and Cardiac Centre, face operational challenges in addition to infrastructure damage, and Albayda Medical Center in Benghazi operates at 80%capacity. Main hindering factors are shortages of medical supplies, medicines, and personnel. Reports of water-borne diseases are quickly increasing, especially affecting children. Health promotion activities are gaining priority to avoid outbreaks of communicable diseases.
WASH: Derna faces severe clean water shortages, with risks amplified by contamination sources. With the city's sewage system significantly compromised, only 5% of Derna's residents have regular access to safe water. While water trucking prices have increased upto 60%, immediate provisions of uncontaminated bottled water are vital, alongside urgent repairs to WASH infrastructure.
Protection: Especially in Derna, displacement endangers many, notably children, theelderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The city sees a rising trend of UASC. Damaged shelter, WASH and health infrastructures escalate protection risks, especially to women and girls. The relocation of landmines due to floods amplifies risks from explosive remnants of war.
Food Security and Livelihoods: Floods have worsened an existing food scarcity in Derna, with rising prices and halted local food supply. This is aggravated by increasing food prices. Pre-flood, 324,000 Libyans needed food aid; post-flood numbers are expected to surge.Critical needs include ready meals, dry rations, and infant nutrition.
