Rising Casualty Toll and Increasing Displacement
As of the latest official statistics, the Israeli military escalation on Lebanon since October 8, 2023, has resulted in approximately 13,004 victims, including 2,306 martyrs and 10,698 injured. This escalation follows heightened tensions along the southern border, worsening the humanitarian situation due to continuous bombardment across various regions of Lebanon.
Targeting Infrastructure and Threat to Civilians
Civilian infrastructure has not been spared from attacks, with hospitals, schools, and public facilities being hit. This has increased the suffering of the population and worsened the humanitarian situation. The bombardment has forced thousands of families to flee the targeted areas, seeking safety in more secure locations, amid warnings that the humanitarian crisis could worsen as military operations continue.
Shelter Centers and the Displaced
The government’s Disaster Management Unit estimates that the total number of displaced persons has reached around 1.2 million, with 172,000 residing in shelter centers. An international organization indicated that the number of displaced persons could rise to 1.4 million, meaning that nearly one-third of Lebanon’s population has been displaced. In addition, around 1.5 million Syrian refugees are also living in Lebanon, further straining resources and services
Major Displacement Areas
The large-scale displacement has primarily affected the South and the southern suburb, with between 800,000 and 1 million people moving to Beirut, the North, and Mount Lebanon. In the Bekaa region, the expansion of military operations has forced residents to relocate to safer villages such as Zahle and Ras Baalbek, while others have sought refuge in Syria or safer areas in Mount Lebanon and the North. A significant number of residents have remained in their villages despite the risks of bombardment, leaving them in dire need of humanitarian aid.
URDA’s Efforts in Response to the War
Amid this humanitarian crisis, the Union of Relief and Development Associations in Lebanon (URDA) is intensifying its efforts to provide urgent aid. Relief teams have distributed thousands of food supplies and essential items to displaced families, including:
(These services as of October 14, 2024)
- 2,504 ready-to-eat meals
- 2,070 food parcels
- 4,582 hot meals
- 8,000 bundles of bread
- 4,707 gallons of drinking water
- 2,290 mattresses
- 2,535 blankets
- 1,909 pillows
- 260 rechargeable lamps to provide lighting in areas experiencing power outages
- 5 mobile clinics
- 795 kits containing diapers and baby formula
- 1,726 hygiene kits
- Creation of 20 small kitchens in shelter centers
- Recreational activities organized for 1,500 children
Management of Shelter Centers
URDA is currently overseeing the management of 26 shelter centers in various areas, including Arsal, Bekaa, the North, the South, Chouf, Mount Lebanon, and the capital, Beirut. These centers host thousands of displaced people who are enduring harsh living conditions due to displacement and forced migration. URDA is committed to providing them with protection and shelter, in coordination with local authorities and international organizations.
The Deteriorating Humanitarian and Economic Situation
The displacement crisis goes beyond just providing shelter; it extends to the challenge of continuing relief operations amid the difficult economic and living conditions facing the country. Many displaced individuals have been forced to seek refuge in the homes of relatives or rent apartments at high prices in safe areas, while others are sleeping on the streets due to a lack of alternative shelter. This poses a significant challenge for relief organizations striving to meet their basic needs.
In Conclusion
Amid the escalating violence, URDA continues to work diligently to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. The organization’s leaders emphasize the urgent need to enhance international cooperation to support Lebanon in addressing this humanitarian disaster, as emergency aid has become essential for the displaced individuals suffering from the repercussions of the war and the difficult economic conditions.
To contribute to saving the lives of affected displaced families, you can donate via the following link:
Global Giving Link
Hotline: +961 70 054 900
Donation account via WHISH: 110592 – Union of Relief and Development Associations in Lebanon