More than 16,000 displaced children in eastern Libya are in need of urgent access to essential services following the deadly Storm Daniel.
Development Diaries reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the children’s psychosocial well-being is at stake, as they are affected due to lack of health, schooling and safe water supply.
Storm Daniel struck eastern Libya on 10 September and left widespread flooding and destruction in its wake across Derna, Albayda, Soussa, Al-Marj, Shahat, Taknis, Battah, Tolmeita, Bersis, Tokra and Al-Abyar.
It is understood that some of the displaced families are hosted in schools., and out of the 117 impacted schools in the affected area, four were completely destroyed and 80 had minor damage, according to UNICEF data.
Following the devastation caused by the floods, children in Libya’s Derna city have been experiencing depression, loss of speech, and even suicidal thoughts.
Furthermore, due to problems with the water supply, extensive damage to water sources and sewage systems, and the possibility of groundwater contamination, waterborne illnesses are becoming a bigger concern.
According to estimates, 50 percent of the water systems in Derna alone have suffered damage.
As noted by UNICEF, Development Diaries calls on the authorities and donors to invest in long-term child-focused recovery efforts to help children and families in affected areas.
Photo source: UNICEF
