The IRC has reported that recent floods have extensively contaminated water sources with sewage, rendering them unsafe for consumption and exposing local communities to severe health risks.
In Derna, the situation is especially grim, with at least 55 children already falling ill due to the consumption of contaminated water. Derna, a city of around 100,000 people, was hit hard by a powerful storm named Daniel on September 10. Prior to its arrival in Libya, the storm had caused damage in Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
The storm's impact included the breaking of two dams in the mountains above the port of Derna, resulting in the flooding of large areas of the city.
The IRC emphasized that contaminated water can lead to the rapid spread of waterborne diseases, significantly endangering vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Elie Abouaoan, IRC Libya Country Director, stressed the fundamental importance of access to clean water as a basic human right.
Meanwhile, Libyan activists situated in the hardest-hit areas have called for the creation of new routes into these affected regions to facilitate the delivery of aid and assistance.
The extensive destruction of roads and bridges by the floods has hindered the ability of aid organizations to reach affected cities, including Derna, Sousse, Shahat, Al Marj, Al Bayada, and other rural communities.
Activists have communicated through WhatsApp that the municipal council of Al Bayada has initiated repairs on sandy roads leading to remote flood-affected areas. Additionally, they have arranged for supplies to be delivered by air, with the assistance of an Egyptian helicopter.
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