Floods in Libya
The FDFA's Humanitarian Aid Department has activated a crisis cell and is monitoring the situation in connection with the floods in Libya. The SDC is in the process of adapting ongoing programmes on the ground to the needs of the population affected by the floods. The possible delivery of relief supplies to proven partner organisations on the ground is being examined. The FDFA is not aware of any information on Swiss victims.
Damage after the devastating flood in Derna. Thousands of people have lost their lives or are missing in the disaster. © Keystone
20.09.2023 – Switzerland allocates supplementary credit for those affected by earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya
As was the case in the city of Derna, eastern Libya has suffered extensive damage following the passage of storm Daniel. The death toll has risen to over 10,000, with as many still missing, in a country already weakened by ten years of conflict and continuing political division. The SDC had already been supporting humanitarian activities in Libya prior to the storm. Partner organisations in the country that were already receiving Swiss funding before the crisis have adapted their programmes to meet the new needs.
The FDFA has decided to provide an additional CHF 1.1 million in aid to support the activities of UN agencies and international NGOs working in the regions affected by the disaster. The SDC is also considering dispatching supplies, including drinking water distribution and treatment systems, and seconding SHA specialists to a multilateral organisation. Switzerland continues to monitor developments closely.
15.09.2023 – The FDFA's Humanitarian Aid Department has activated a crisis cell and is monitoring the situation in connection with the floods in Libya
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is in the process of adapting ongoing programmes on the ground to the needs of the population affected by the floods and is considering providing additional financial support to the partner organisations responsible for this. The possible delivery of relief supplies to proven partner organisations on the ground is being examined. The SDC is not present in Libya, but manages its humanitarian engagement from neighbouring Tunisia.
The FDFA is not aware of any information on Swiss victims. There are currently 56 Swiss citizens officially registered in Libya, where they live and are settled, and one person with a connection to Switzerland is registered in the TravelAdmin application. The FDFA helpline and the representation on the ground have not yet received any enquiries regarding the floods in Libya.
Travel to Libya and stays of any kind in this country are not advised. It is very difficult or impossible for Switzerland to provide consular services or assistance to persons with Swiss nationality in emergency situations.
The Swiss embassy in Tripoli has been closed since 31 July 2014. Persons with Swiss nationality living in Libya are served by the Swiss Embassy in Tunis.
Embassy of Switzerland in Tunis: tel. +216 71 191 997.
In urgent cases, the FDFA helpline in Bern can be contacted around the clock on +41 800 24 7 365 / 0 800 24 7 365 or by e-mail to helpline@eda.admin.ch.
