Stories from iMMAP deployees: Supporting UNDAC efforts after Libya floods

The floods resulted in widespread destruction and displacement, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation. Satellite images swiftly identified the most affected regions, with confirmation from on-ground personnel. The greatest damage was reported in the baladiyat of Derna, Albayda, Shahat-Sousa, Um Arrezam, and Labrik. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 884,000 people in five provinces have been directly affected by the storm and flash floods, impacting them to varying degrees. 

At the start of our deployment, the UNDAC team mobilized experts to respond to the crisis, including some members who had previously been engaged in the Morocco Earthquake response – as the Morocco response was winding down. Nevertheless, the main challenge we faced was the overall lack of access to affected areas.

After the initial search and rescue phase, the top priorities were shelter, health and WASH as highlighted by a joint Inter Agency rapid needs assessment (conducted between September 19 and 26, 2023). Providing safe, gender-segregated shelters, and options for families was a critical concern. For health, there was a demand for items to restore health facilities for pregnant women and children and for body bags. Linked to WASH were the necessities for safe latrines and segregated bathrooms.

In this crisis, satellite images played a crucial role in assessing damage and inaccessible areas. Organizations like the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) were essential to overcome access limitations. Streamlining both on-ground and remote efforts, through coordination meetings with organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and search and rescue teams, provided a comprehensive view of the situation. An additional complexity was monitoring a dam near full capacity, adding a unique challenge to the operation.

In a country experiencing a protracted crisis, conveying the urgency to partners on the ground was challenging. The situation had become routine for many, and most responders were working remotely. We emphasized the need for swift, practical solutions and prioritized speed over perfection to gain a rapid understanding of the crisis and its implications.

While information sharing is challenging in this complex emergency, humanitarians have managed to gather a relatively detailed overview of people''''s needs and essential activities, providing support directly or indirectly through partners on the ground. However, it remains a sensitive and challenging environment for information exchange, especially with the general public. Understanding these complexities is crucial.