North Africa was hit by two major natural disasters: extreme flooding in Libya and the devastating earthquake in Morocco have taken thousands of lives. UNICEF delivers fast and reliable assistance in emergency situations like these.
The situation
On Sunday, September 10, Storm Daniel made landfall in Libya, causing fierce winds and heavy rainfall. The country’s northern coast, especially the coastal city of Derna, was hit hardest. The storm caused severe damage to numerous buildings and essential infrastructure. Countless children and their families were cut off from lifesaving aid, and at least 43,000 people are currently displaced. The official death toll is now at 4,600 with another 8,500 people missing.
Late on Friday evening, September 9, large areas of Morocco were hit by a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake. It destroyed numerous houses and important infrastructure like hospitals and schools. Thousands of children and their families were forced to leave their homes. According to official sources (09/22/2023), approximately 2,940 people have died and more than 5,600 people have been injured. UNICEF reports that more than 300,000 people – including 100,000 children – are affected by the consequences of the earthquake. At present, we can only make a rough guess as to the extent of this devastating catastrophe.
How your donation helps
Such events like the ones we are seeing now in Morocco and Libya often happen without warning and bring untold misery to tens of thousands of children.When catastrophes like these hit, every minute counts.
Emergency funding from UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein helps with the purchase of supplies in preparation for catastrophes and guarantees their immediate availability in emergency situations. UNICEF delivers emergency supplies, medical care and aid services to over 150 countries. Your donation to UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s emergency fund helps maintain supplies in preparation before emergencies happen. This way, UNICEF can respond to crises and catastrophes when and where they happen, saving children’s lives in Morocco, Libya and around the world.