Editor's note: This article was updated on Sept. 14 to reflect a statement from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) made on Sept. 13. The situation in Libya is actively evolving, as are the needs of citizens in the country. We will be keeping this list up to date with the evolving ways Global Citizens can help.
Rescue missions are underway in Libya following flooding that has taken the lives of over 11,300 people in Derna, an eastern port city in the country, with the death toll expected to rise. A further 10,000 have lost their homes.
The UN is warning that the tens of thousands of people displaced are now at risk of exposure to waterborne diseases as the contamination of wells could lead to a secondary wave of disease and even death if this is not urgently addressed.
Devastatingly, the UN's World Meteorological Organization has noted that thousands of the flood-related deaths could have been avoided. Briefing reporters in Geneva, Petteri Taalas, the head of the UN's World Meteorological Organization, explained that the deaths could have been averted had the country's warning systems been issued.
"They could have issued the warnings and the emergency management forces would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the people, and we could have avoided most of the human casualties," he said.
He continued: "The flooding events came and there was no evacuation taking place, because there was not the proper early warning systems in place."
Storm Daniel reached its peak on Sept. 10, and is continuing to impact eastern and central Mediterranean countries including Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Libya, however, has been hit the hardest, as the storm has resulted in massive floods that have overwhelmed parts of the country.
More apocalyptic scenes emerging from Derna, Libya courtesy of ليبيا الأحرار
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 12, 2023
The scale and level of destruction is hard to comprehend. Local reports suggest that 25% of the city has been destroyed or severely damaged. Death toll now exceeds 3,500. pic.twitter.com/PnVyMyTh3x
The flooding has caused serious destruction to entire neighborhoods, sweeping away homes, schools, and mosques into the sea. The disaster is one of several extreme weather events that have rocked the world in 2023, as the climate crisis continues to sink its claws into the planet. What’s more, experts predict that flooding will only continue to intensify if the climate emergency remains as is, especially in coastal areas, like Libya’s Derna.
Aid has slowly been mobilized to the region, but as the numbers continue to escalate and the situation deepens, more support is needed to alleviate the storm’s impacts.
We've compiled a list of international organizations working on the ground that you can support, and noted a few non-monetary ways you can help too. Read on to find out exactly how to help those impacted by the intense flooding.
Donate to Global Relief Agencies
1. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC has been working to support vulnerable populations in Libya since 2016 with vital health care and other services. ““The IRC is conducting a joint needs assessment,” writes their senior vice president for crisis response, “alongside other NGOs and we will be scaling up our services to support those affected by the floods.” Donate to the IRC’s emergency fund now.
Global Citizen partner Global Giving is a platform that collects funds and distributes them directly to on-the-ground organizations. They vet local agencies to ensure they are impactful and efficient in providing survivors with shelter, food, fuel, safe drinking water, and health care. Donate to Global Giving now.
Islamic Relief Worldwide has launched an emergency appeal for funds to help those suffering after the floods. Islamic Relief will be working with local partners on the ground to deliver food packs, blankets, mattresses, and other crucial aid. Donate to Islamic Relief Worldwide’s fund now.
Actively working across 10 countries, Action for Humanity’s entire model is based on emergency response, particularly in countries like Syria and Pakistan, where they’ve been operating for 11 years. The organization is on the ground in Libya providing immediate support to survivors in need with medical care and psychological support, food, medicine, water, and hygiene supplies. Donate to Action for Humanity’s relief efforts now.
5. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The ICRC has been operating in Libya since the country’s civil war, assisting with economic rehabilitation and support. They are on the ground in Libya, responding to urgent humanitarian needs. Donate to the ICRC now.
6. International Medical Corps
Having operated in the country since 2011, the International Medical Corps has a well-established response team on the ground working to provide relief to those in urgent need. Their team is continuously assessing needs on the ground, and is providing shelter, mobile health services, and water, sanitation, and hygiene to those impacted. Donate to the International Medical Corps now.
The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected. They are helping with rescues and first aid. Donate to the British Red Cross now.
8. UNICEF
UNICEF Libya is responding to the needs of people caught in harm's way, rushing in emergency aid, including 1,100 hygiene kits and vital medical supplies for 10,000 people and essential clothing kits for 500 children. Donate to UNICEF now.
9. Understand the Link Between Flooding and Climate Change
Climate change isn’t just global warming. It’s all the changing climate patterns and the impacts they have.
While individual weather events do not equal climate change, they’re part of a bigger picture. Rising temperatures are increasing the likelihood of all extreme weather events, including flooding.
Get to grips with how climate change and flooding are linked.
10. Join the Global March to End Fossil Fuels on Sept. 15 and 17
On Sept. 15 and 17, tens of thousands will take to the streets around the world to demand an end to the biggest cause of climate change. You guessed it: fossil fuels.
On Friday, Sept. 15, a Global Climate Strike is being planned by Fridays for Future taking place everywhere including Egypt, Finland, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Korea.
On Sunday, Sept. 17, there are marches to End Fossil Fuels in New York (starting at 1 p.m. EST until about 4:30 p.m. EST), Austin, New Mexico, Colombia, and more.
If you can’t find one happening near you, why not gather some friends and organize your own? If you are thinking of setting up your own protest, there is a very helpful action organization pack to check out.
11. Sign the Petition Calling on Leaders Not to Gas Africa
African land is not a gas station. Millions are losing their homes, don’t have access to food, have their health threatened, and are slipping into higher levels of extreme poverty because of the fossil fuel industry and its impacts on the climate.
Instead of selling fossil fuel extraction rights to big multinational companies, African leaders should invest in clean, renewable energies that will directly benefit people across the continent without damaging their health.
But right now, an African Union committee has proposed an expansion in fossil fuels. We can’t let that happen.
Sign the petition asking African leaders to reject this proposal and prioritize evidence-based policies around a just transition to renewable energy.
12. Tell the White House to End Climate Justice Delays
It's been two years since US President Biden pledged over $11 billion in aid for climate-vulnerable communities. Have these funds been delivered? No.
Urge the White House to step up now for global climate justice.
13. Get World Leaders to Support a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Fossil fuels are driving the climate crisis, yet words like "coal" and "oil" are not mentioned in the Paris Agreement. Not even once.
We need governments to support a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to tackle the crisis at its root — no more fossil fuels.
Join us in making that demand by signing the petition now.
14. Tell Banks to Stop Pouring Billions Into the Fossil Fuel Industry
In 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that there should be no investment in new oil, gas, or coal if we want to avoid climate catastrophe.
Yet, banks are pouring billions into the companies at the forefront of oil and gas expansion. This action is jeopardizing our futures.
Tell the banks you won’t bank on them financing our extinction.
15. Call for Shipping Emissions to Fund Climate Action
Tackling the climate crisis is a huge and expensive challenge.
One potential source of cash could come from taxing the shipping industry — a sector which has so far largely escaped taxation because what happens on the high seas is not in the jurisdiction of any single government.
If we taxed carbon emissions, it would not only encourage shippers to go green faster, but the money raised from those taxes, possibly $100 billion a year, could be channeled to poorer countries to help them fight the climate crisis.
Tweet the US and Germany to support a shipping emissions tax now.
16. Raise Awareness
If you can’t donate at this time but want to help, consider sharing this article with friends, family, or on your social media accounts — it could well end up in front of someone who is in a position to support the relief effort financially.