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| The devastating floods in the port city of Derna have pushed thousands of people into a spiral of crisis. (Source: Libya Update) |
Although the number of children among the casualties has not been confirmed, UNICEF fears hundreds may have died as they make up about 40% of the population.
Essential services such as health , schools, and clean water are in short supply, severely impacting children. Of the 114 schools, four were washed away by floods, 80 were partially destroyed, and at least 19 were converted into temporary shelters for families, according to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IMO).
In addition, damaged drainage networks and contaminated groundwater can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. UNICEF estimates that 50% of water systems have been damaged.
These figures reflect the risk of children having to interrupt their education for long periods of time and suffering from serious illnesses.
UNICEF has therefore been actively providing aid to eastern Libya since the second day of the historic floods. The affected areas have received 65 tonnes of relief supplies, including medical supplies for 50,000 people for three months, household hygiene kits for nearly 17,000 people, 500 sets of winter clothes for children, 200 school kits in boxes and 32,000 sets of water purification tablets.
UNICEF has also sent child protection and psychological support teams to help them minimize the mental loss.
Along with international efforts, domestic authorities are also trying to rescue people and push back the crisis.
On September 28, the eastern-based government of Libya announced the creation of a Derna reconstruction fund. The statement did not specify the funding mechanism for the new fund, but the Libyan House of Representatives allocated 10 million dinars ($2 million) for the program.
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