About the Emergency

In Libya, heavy rainfall and related flooding – with floodwaters measuring more than 10 feet in some areas – between September 10 and 11 has resulted in reports of significant deaths and casualties. The catastrophic floods washed out two dams in the eastern port city of Derna, releasing nearly 8 billion gallons of water into the city. Damage or destruction to houses and critical infrastructure has been widespread, and there are reports of electricity, internet, and communication disruptions.

USAID has activated a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) for Libya to lead the U.S. government’s humanitarian response to the devastating floods in coordination with Libyan response efforts. This elite team, comprising disaster experts from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, will assess the damage, identify priority needs, liaise with authorities, and coordinate with humanitarian partners.

How You Can Help

Donate

Send cash donations to reputable relief organizations working on the ground. They can make the most difference and save the most lives. Detailed information on how relief organizations use donations can be found at: GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and the Better Business Bureau. Below are organizations responding in Libya.

Volunteer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in four Americans volunteered for an organization at least once during the course of a year. However, there are a few things that would-be disaster volunteers should stop and consider before getting on a plane.

Additional Resources