Natural disasters Morocco & Libya
Overview of the situation:
Storm “Daniel” caused devastating floodings in eastern Libya, which had a direct impact on more than 1.6 million people. Thousands lost their lives, while around 44,000 people were left without shelter. The city of Darna was particularly affected, where two dams burst and entire neighbourhoods were flooded by masses of water. The infrastructure in the affected areas, including the city’s only hospital, was severely damaged.
In the same period, a major earthquake struck Morocco on 8 September, killing more than 2,800 people, injuring thousands more and causing widespread damage. It caused particularly severe damage in the High Atlas region, where the earthquake destroyed vital water infrastructure, homes and schools in communities that are difficult to reach.
Many survivors are facing the loss of all their possessions. The need for humanitarian aid is enormous, particularly in the areas of basic medical care, clean water, food and shelter.
We are helping those most affected by the disasters.
How we support
We have received a large number of donations that have already enabled us to carry out important initial aid measures to support the local population. We prioritise the strengthening and support of various sectors and social groups. To date, projects in Morocco and Libya have focused on the direct delivery of basic necessities, the provision of medical equipment, support for children and young people, and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.
Further measures are being planned and implemented.
Our current projects
Engagement in Libya
Together with the Norwegian Refugee Council we provide flood affected households with access to adequate and protective housing solutions. By rehabilitating damaged and substandard houses, and providing households with an integrated package of shelter and WASH (Water, Sanitary and Hygiene) upgrades and repairs we are enhancing flood affected people’s physical protection, living conditions and access to basic services.
The project with our partner Première Urgence Interationale aims to address the basic needs of populations affected or displaced by Storm Daniel in North-East Libya, across the districts of Benghazi, Al Marj, Al Jebel Al Akhdar, and Derna. Adopting an integrated approach, the project will contribute to preserve and restore essential services, integrating health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH), identified as current priority needs. In addition, we are focussing on disease surveillance and the provision of primary healthcare services through a Mobile Health Team, composed of a Medical Doctor, a SRH doctor, three Nurses, a Pharmacist, supplying essential drugs and medical equipment to the most vulnerable communities.
Engagement in Morocco
As a first major response measure, Siemens Caring Hands e.V. joins the fundraiser of Solar Team Eindhoven and the Netherlands Red Cross to stabilize the initial consequences of the earthquake. With the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) those affected by the earthquake are receiving immediate assistance on site, including medical care, food, shelter and other essentials.
In close collaboration with the High Atlas Foundation, we are rehabilitating water infrastructure to provide access to clean water sources for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as supporting resilience measures in the municipalities of Ikis, Idaghsen, Tizintass in the Al Haouz region.
Due to the high number of damaged homes, many displaced families are living in temporary and inadequate tents with little protection against extreme weather conditions. In order to provide a more secure place to live, we are supporting the construction of more than 50 temporary shelters in the High Atlas Mountains that will provide adequate heating, insulation and protection from the dangers of extreme snow and fire hazards.
We support Amis des Ecoles in their efforts to rebuild a boarding school in the High Atlas Mountains. The school will accommodate 300 children for sleeping and 500 for dining and studying, providing a safe and inspiring space for students to learn and create in the rural city of Asni. It provides children with nutritious meals and access to well-equipped study rooms, facilitating their academic progress in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
In the communities most affected by the earthquake, there is often a complete lack of latrines and washing facilities, affecting hygiene and quality of life, especially for women and girls. In addition, the earthquake’s impact on shelter, housing and water supply was severe, with very high levels of damage in densely populated areas as well as in rural and mountain villages. Together with our partner SOS-Villages D’Enfants, we are providing access to clean drinking water by constructing two wells, rehabilitating water pumps and purchasing equipment required for use. We are also supporting the construction of 30 temporary shelters for affected families and 25 modular sanitation blocks. These will provide communities, especially women and young girls, with safe access to sanitation.
