ReliefWeb

The storms and heavy rains that have swept through the country since 13 January have impacted thousands of refugees across Lebanon. A coordinated response to the cold, flooding and damages in informal settlements, collective shelters and urban areas was immediately launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs and rapid response partners. Site assessments, monitoring and emergency responses are ongoing in all regions, and needs are expected to increase as rains, high winds, snow and colder temperatures are expected to continue in the coming weeks. The most affected areas include Akkar, Baalbek El Hermel and the Bekaa.

The extreme weather conditions coincided with the nation-wide lockdown and restrictions on movements. Rapid response partners were therefore included in the list of organisations needing exemptions to move. Generally, movements to respond to flooding and related damages to shelters were authorised by the local authorities in the regions affected but the speed of the response was delayed in some areas.