UNICEF: More than 16,000 children displaced following Libya floods

More than 16,000 children are displaced in eastern Libya following Africa’s deadliest storm in recorded history, UNICEF warned today. Their psychosocial wellbeing is at stake. Many more children are affected due to lack of essential services, such as health, schooling and safe water supply. 

Storm Daniel struck eastern Libya on 10 September and left widespread flooding and destruction in its wake across Derna, Albayda, Soussa, Al-Marj, Shahat, Taknis, Battah, Tolmeita, Bersis, Tokra and Al-Abyar.

Some of the displaced families are hosted in schools. UNICEF has been working with authorities and partners since the beginning of the tragedy to respond to the urgent needs of children and families in the affected areas. 

Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa, has just returned from a visit to Al Bayda and Derna and said when disasters hit, children are always among the most vulnerable.

While the number of children among the casualties is not yet confirmed, UNICEF fears hundreds of children died in the disaster, given that children account for about 40 per cent of the population.

Significant damage to health and education infrastructure means children once again risk further disruption to their learning and the outbreak of deadly diseases. In the hit region, out of 117 impacted schools, 4 were destroyed and 80 partially damaged.