Satellite image of Mediterranean cyclone over Libya on September 10, 2023. Courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory.
Satellite image of Mediterranean cyclone over Libya on September 10, 2023. Courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory.
We find ourselves once again mourning the massive loss of lives through natural disaster. We are heartbroken to hear of the devastation in Libya caused by severe flooding this week. As of this writing, the estimated death toll could exceed 20,000. In addition, tens of thousands have been left homeless. This comes just days after news of the tragic loss of lives in Morocco’s earthquake.
Entire families have perished. Morgues are full and hospitals are out of service as rescue and emergency crews seek to treat survivors. The damage in some regions of Libya has made them inaccessible for rescue operations. The images of people sitting in the middle of the devastation are heartbreaking. The people of Libya have suffered for years because of war and chaos. This tragedy has made a horrible situation even worse.
We pray for God’s mercy on the families who have lost loved ones and for strength to the recovery crews still searching for victims in nearly impossible conditions. We serve a mighty God who is in the midst of this tragedy, whether feeding a hungry family, tending to the injured, or loving those who have lost everything. We pray for strength, compassion, and an overwhelming call to help those in need.
Yes, we have just asked for your generous support for the victims in Morocco, but, as we have seen way too often, tragedy waits on no one. If you are able to support humanitarian efforts in Libya, the PC(USA) is working with our international partners to get people the help they need. Contributions can be made through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance DR999999 and referencing Libya.
Rev. Bronwen Boswell
Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)