The Government of Japan has contributed $1 million to UNICEF Libya to aid in flood relief efforts in eastern parts of the country. The funding will be allocated for critical areas such as providing clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, hygiene kits, and child protection assistance to the most vulnerable children and families affected by the recent Mediterranean Storm Daniel.
The storm, which made landfall on September 10, 2023, led to flash flooding in various regions, including Al-Jabal Alakhdar, Derna, Al-Bayada, Almarj, Shahat, Soussa, and Benghazi. The city of Derna, in particular, suffered significant consequences, with over 4,000 casualties and extensive damage to essential services and infrastructure.
UNICEF, working in collaboration with local authorities and international partners, is actively engaged in addressing immediate humanitarian needs and laying the groundwork for systems recovery. Immediate priorities include delivering medical aid, mental health and psychosocial support, ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, promoting hygiene, and providing child protection services.
Michele Servadei, UNICEF Libya Representative, expressed profound gratitude for Japan’s contribution, emphasizing its critical timing. He stated, “This support is crucial to ensure the provision of safe water and sanitation at a time of high risk of diseases, as well as to ensure mobile protective services such as psychosocial support and case management for children and parents.” The funding is expected to make a significant impact in the ongoing efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by the affected populations.
