A powerful storm has triggered devastating flooding in Libya. At least 2,000 people have lost their lives so far, with fears that the death toll will continue to rise.

Thousands of people are missing, and the country is in a state of extreme emergency. At least 150 homes have been destroyed so far, leaving many families highly vulnerable.

The eastern cities of Benghazi, Sousse, Derna and Al-Marj have all been affected. In Derna, two dams have collapsed, submerging the area and drowning some residents.

Schools and shops have been ordered to close.

Islamic Relief’s response

Islamic Relief is closely monitoring the situation and establishing the best way to support affected families.

In Morocco, a powerful earthquake struck at 11.11pm on 8 September, killing over 2000 people – a grim death toll that is continuing to rise as the hours go by.

Many of the dead are in remote villages in the High Atlas mountains and the scale of the destruction there is still emerging. Residents are using whatever equipment they can find as they struggle to reach their neighbours under the rubble.

Blocked roads are preventing ambulances from reaching the wounded. Officials are scrambling to clear debris, but the rescue and relief efforts are difficult amid the mountainous terrain, risk of landslides, and large distances.

In response to the disaster Islamic Relief is assessing the most critical needs and working with local humanitarian organisations to deliver vital aid.

Food, water and shelter are amongst the most urgent needs.

Homes and other buildings have collapsed, including in the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site in the historic city of Marrakech. Aftershocks have left families too frightened to seek shelter, with exhausted survivors forced to sleep in the streets.

Islamic Relief has extensive experience responding to disasters around the world. We recently helped more than 1 million people affected by the earthquake that struck Turkiye and Syria in February 2023.

Please donate generously now