CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY

Purpose

September 2023 – On September 10, Storm Daniel hit northeastern Libya with heavy rains and flash floods, affecting various cities, including Al Marj, Benghazi, and Derna. As of September 14, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that 884,000 people need humanitarian assistance. Several factors influence and exacerbate the severity of humanitarian needs, including pre-existing conditions, deteriorating socio-economic situations, and logistical and access constraints to certain areas. Before the storm, 300,000 people in Libya were assessed to require humanitarian assistance, according to the 2023 Humanitarian Overview. With GAC’s support, the Canadian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are working to save lives and help reduce the suffering of people affected by flooding. Project activities include: (1) providing multi-purpose cash to meet basic needs and avoid negative coping strategies; (2) distributing in-kind relief items such as food, non-food items, and emergency shelter support; and (3) providing emergency healthcare and protection services, including mental health and psychosocial support.