Biden announces $11 million in humanitarian aid to Libya after deadly floods

by Brett Samuels - 09/18/23 3:46 PM ET

In this photo provided by the Libyan government, cars and rubble sit in a street in Derna, Libya, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, after it was flooded by heavy rains. Mediterranean storm Daniel caused devastating floods in Libya that broke dams swept away entire neighborhoods and wrecked homes in multiple coastal towns in the east of the North African nation. As many as 2,000 people were feared dead one of the country’s leaders said. (Libyan government via AP)

President Biden on Monday announced the U.S. will provide $11 million to local and international organizations working in Libya as the country recovers from deadly floods that killed thousands.

Biden in a statement said the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will coordinate the delivery of aid to the appropriate organizations, “joining the concerted efforts of nations and non-profits around the world providing critical support such as water, food, shelter, and medical assistance.”

Powerful storms hit Libya earlier this month, causing dams to burst and leading to catastrophic flooding in the city of Derna. The death toll has varied, but officials have estimated thousands were killed, and there are thousands more missing.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya this week raised concerns about a potential disease outbreak in the aftermath of the flooding, citing a lack of sanitation and clean water, according to The Associated Press.

Biden in his Monday statement also cited the complex governing situation in Libya, which has been divided for the last several years by rival administrations backed by opposing militias in the wake of Moammar Gadhafi being overthrown in 2011.

“As the United States continues to stand with the Libyan people during this difficult hour — we remain committed to supporting a political path toward a unified, freely and fairly elected government in Libya that can effectively respond to its people’s needs,” Biden said in a statement.

Tags Joe Biden