Several major UK charities have launched appeals for funding as they respond to flooding in Libya, which has led to a death toll of around 6,000, and around 10,000 people missing.
Charities including Islamic Relief, Unicef, British Red Cross and Chrisitan Aid all began asking for donations this week.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said it was also considering an appeal for those affected by floods in Libya as well as the recent earthquake in Morocco.
DEC has three criteria which must be met before it launches an appeal: that the disaster is on “such a scale and of such urgency as to call for swift international humanitarian assistance”, that at least some of its member charities are able to provide effective and swift humanitarian assistance at scale, and that there are reasonable grounds for concluding that a public appeal would be successful.
Storm Daniel caused two dams to collapse, causing damage to homes and infrastructure in the city of Derna and elsewhere.
Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief is working with local partners on the ground and delivering urgently needed relief like mattresses and blankets.
The charity will also be delivering food packs, and other vital aid to affected communities. It has committed an initial £100,000 to provide emergency aid.
It is calling on all governments to increase their pledges to aid organisations providing humanitarian responses in Libya.
Unicef UK
Unicef UK has launched an appeal.
A statement from the charity reads: “In an emergency, children are always among the most vulnerable. We are especially concerned about children’s access to clean water and the prevention of deadly diseases like cholera. In emergencies like this, it is also critical to establish shelters to protect children and families.”
It has launched a Libya floods appeal to help reach children and families. The charity said it is supporting the government of Libya to reach people, with life-saving supplies and services.
Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger has also launched an emergency appeal to help victims of the flooding in Libya.
The charity has teams in Libya currently, ready to help people affected by the violent flooding, and need funding to reach more families that need support.
It says before the floods, 1.5 million people in Libya were already in need of humanitarian support, and this disaster will only increase the need.
The charity’s teams in Libya, alongside the Libyan Red Crescent, will help 1,000 people by providing food, hygiene kits and other essential items.
British Red Cross
In response to the catastrophic flooding in Libya, British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected.
The Libyan Red Crescent is helping deliver vital aid to people in the flooded areas and is supporting rescue efforts.
This includes first aid and medical assistance, assisting with rescue, evacuating families and the provision of food, water and emergency shelter kits.
International Rescue Committee UK
International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK has also launched an appeal after Storm Daniel struck Libya.
The charity’s statement reads: “Whole neighbourhoods have been washed away, leaving over 32,000 people displaced without homes and basic necessities. The IRC team is assessing needs right now.
“Please make an immediate donation to support our work in crisis zones like Libya and in more than 40 countries worldwide.”
Penny Appeal
Penny Appeal has also launched an appeal.
The charity said the death toll is expected to reach 10,000 according to Othman Abdel Jalil, a health minister in Libya.
“Help us deliver essential medical aid to people in desperate need,” its appeal says.
Christian Aid
Christian Aid is working with Dan Church Aid (DCA), their Act Alliance partner who have had an established presence in Libya since 2011.
Michael Mosselmans, Christian Aid’s head of humanitarian division, said: “The scenes in Libya are heartbreaking. With critical infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, washed away by the flooding we are seeing people without the basics such as access to clean water and proper sanitation to prevent the risk of diseases.
“Christian Aid has therefore launched an appeal to strengthen the support we can give through our partner, Dan Church Aid, to people who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.”
CARE International UK
CARE International UK has launched an emergency appeal to assist people affected by the disaster in Derna.
The charity's first priority will be to provide hot meals, safe water, emergency shelter and medical support to people who have been impacted by the devastation.
CARE is particularly concerned about the impact on women and girls, as well as other marginalised groups, who are often the worst affected by crises of this scale.
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