The Next Century Foundation is deeply saddened by the devastating flooding that has struck Libya, once a beacon of prosperity in Africa. These natural disasters have exposed the fragility of a nation already grappling with years of lawlessness and political divisions, leaving it ill-prepared to cope with such catastrophic events.
The death toll in Libya’s coastal city of Derna has risen to a staggering 11,300 with an additional 10,100 people reported missing in this Mediterranean city. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. This disaster has not only caused immense human suffering but has also revealed the underlying issues that have plagued Libya for years.
Libya’s political divisions, with two competing governments in the East and West have led to a state of constant rivalry and mistrust. These divisions have hindered effective governance and coordination, making it difficult to respond swiftly and cohesively to disasters of this magnitude.
Responding to the terrible floods
The Next Century Foundation is examining mechanisms to take aid in by boat from Misrata in view of the reluctance of those in governance in Eastern Libya to encourage overland delivery of aid to Derna town (in part, understandably, because Derna has been a quasi-independent since the Western overthrow of Gaddafi, for some considerable period of time under the control of young militia loyal to the Islamic State). We have now decided to offer cooperation with the Association of British Muslims to do this. Major Western Charities are disadvantaged here because of the baggage they carry and their reluctance to operate without using non-local staff. Several factors contributed to the severity of this disaster. Corruption, poor maintenance of public infrastructure, and years of political infighting have left Libya without the necessary resources and preparedness to tackle events like Storm Daniel. We urge the global community to prioritise assistance and funding for infrastructure development and long-term projects in Libya to prevent such tragedies in the future. We are unlikely to be taking aid in ourselves in this instance. But we will be supervising aid delivery channels. If you particularly wish to donate for Derna through us please use our standard donation button but INDICATE accordingly by marking your donation LIBYA.
Furthermore, climate change has played a significant role in amplifying the impact of extreme weather events in Libya and the broader region. The convergence of climate-related disasters, protracted crises, and economic instability in Libya has created a deadly combination, leaving communities with minimal preparedness and limited access to essential services. This triple burden of challenges makes it exceptionally difficult for them to cope and recover.
Climate change likely contributed to the severity of Storm Daniel. Disruptions in the Jetstream and increased sea surface temperatures have intensified storms and rainfall, particularly in the Mediterranean region. The world must acknowledge the role of climate change in exacerbating such disasters and take immediate action to address this global crisis.
The Next Century Foundation calls upon the international community to be more prepared to respond and assist nations facing such devastating situations. It is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with Libya in their hour of need. We must rally behind Libya and provide the necessary assistance for rescue, relief, and long-term recovery efforts.
Moreover, this tragedy highlights the urgent need to end the hostility and division that has plagued Libya for far too long. The whole world must come together to promote peace and reconciliation between the two halves of Libya. Only through dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy can the nation heal its wounds and move toward a more stable and prosperous future.
The flooding in Libya serves as a wake-up call for us all. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the interconnected issues of political instability, climate change, and disaster preparedness. We must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that no nation is left vulnerable in the face of nature’s fury. Libya deserves our unwavering support as it strives to rebuild and heal from this historic catastrophe.
