Attachments
A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the crisis
Almost a year after Storm Daniel hit the northern and eastern sides of Libya, particularly Derna, the humanitarian response is beginning to shift from emergency relief to early recovery and reconstruction. The focus is now on addressing ongoing needs and building long-term resilience in the affected communities. The impact of Storm Daniel continues to be felt in the region, with its damage extending across all sectors, including health, water, sanitation, and food security. In Libya, the storm left a lasting mark, affecting hundreds of thousands of people and creating widespread challenges that persist months after the initial disaster.
Derna, a coastal city with a population of 130,000, was the most affected, with the death toll rising to more than 5,200 people and 8,000 still missing, according to OCHA1. The storm caused unprecedented destruction of infrastructure, homes, and public services, leaving many without access to necessities. The health sector remains severely strained, with damaged facilities struggling to provide care and an increased demand for medical services. The water and sanitation infrastructure were particularly hard-hit, leading to significant challenges in ensuring clean water access and proper sanitation, which heightens the risk of waterborne diseases. Food security has also been compromised, as agricultural lands were flooded and food supply chains disrupted, leading to a protracted humanitarian crisis with many communities still reliant on external aid.
In response to these ongoing needs, the IFRC and the Libyan Red Crescent (LRC) have been working closely to transition from immediate emergency response to sustainable recovery efforts, restoring livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience against future disasters through awareness and health advocacy. Looking ahead, the focus will be on implementing long-term projects that promote self-sufficiency and resilience, ensuring that the affected populations are better equipped to face future challenges. This involves not only rebuilding physical structures but also addressing the psychological and social impacts of the disaster, fostering a sense of hope and stability within the communities.
The Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS) maintains a strong presence and extensive local networks throughout Libya, enabling effective outreach to vulnerable populations often overlooked by other humanitarian organizations, particularly in remote and challenging areas. As an auxiliary to public authorities, LRCS serves as a vital national partner in disaster response and plays a crucial role in facilitating disaster preparedness activities through its branches nationwide.
With a longstanding commitment to delivering life-saving assistance, LRCS has established a reputation for acceptance and access throughout the country, allowing it to respond effectively to those in crisis. Established in 1957 and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1958, LRCS is the primary national humanitarian organization in Libya. It provides emergency response and services to vulnerable populations through a network of 38 branches, 655 staff members, and 3,000 volunteers.