Lebanon Response Log

In this log, Anera provides regular updates on unfolding hostilities in Lebanon and our response efforts.

Our community makes our emergency response possible. Please consider donating today. Our team is working around the clock to expand this assistance, but we need your help.

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October 15, 2024

Lebanon faces its most severe humanitarian crisis in a generation, with civilians bearing the brunt of violence that has resulted in over 2,200 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries. More than a million people are displaced, and health facilities are collapsing, as 100 primary health centers and five hospitals have shut down. Ninety-four health workers have died, and critical infrastructure has been destroyed. Anera and other humanitarian responders are working to provide food, water, and medical care amid challenging conditions, while the WHO warns that overcrowding and water shortages are raising the risk of disease spread as winter approaches. Read the latest report from UNOCHA.

As of 13 October, Lebanon has recorded 746,584 internally displaced persons (IDPs), showing an 8% increase since October 9th. IDPs have sought safety in 1,090 villages and neighbourhoods across the country. Some 62% of the IDPs are sheltering in Beirut, Chouf, Aley, Akkar and Saida.
[Source: https://dtm.iom.int/lebanon]

Anera’s teams across Lebanon continue responding to the needs. Since September 18, Anera has reached 261,616 individuals with humanitarian relief in the form of 14,000 meals, 83,523 medical treatments, 25,020 hygiene kits, 64,194 gallons of water, and more.

October 14, 2024

Evacuation orders are in effect across southern Lebanon, with a humanitarian crisis similar to Gaza looming. Destruction and displacement have already surpassed previous conflicts, though infrastructure has not been as heavily targeted as in the 2006 war. The current crisis is geographically more widespread, with some areas under attack without clear target indicators.

Amidst these challenges, Anera has served over 255,362 individuals in Lebanon since September 18, 2024, focusing on primary healthcare centers and hospitals as critical transition points. In addition to healthcare, Anera has been active in providing essential resources. Recently, the team distributed 2,641 gallons of safe domestic water to the College of Media at UNESCO and 4,000 meals to 2,000 individuals at Almowasat Association in Saida. Meals prepared at AICP Central Kitchen in Beirut provided 1,000 hot meals, feeding nine collective shelters and volunteers, delivering up to 5,000 meals per day.

On Saturday, Anera’s team successfully delivered 5,283 gallons of water in Chouf, Shhem. Additionally, in partnership with Nahnoo volunteers and with support from UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Affairs, we prepared 700 meals for a community kitchen in Kfardenis. These meals were distributed to shelters in Rachaya and West Bekaa, demonstrating the collaborative effort to address urgent needs across affected areas.

October 11, 2024

In recent days, Lebanon has faced escalating violence, with multiple attacks reported yesterday, including one in Beirut and three significant airstrikes. The Bekaa region also suffered attacks, leading to a tragic increase in casualties and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the country.

Amid these challenges, our team has been actively providing support to those in need. Today, we delivered assistance to the Baal Mohesen Official School in the Qobbeh area, distributing 33 blankets to help those affected by the ongoing violence and displacement.

Additionally, participants in our UNICEF-funded vocational program have been hard at work. They produced 2,160 sleeping bags, funded by UNICEF, which will soon be delivered to the Mowasat South area of Lebanon. This initiative not only supports those facing hardships but also empowers community members through vocational training.

As the situation in Lebanon remains critical, our commitment to providing aid and support continues. We will keep you updated on our efforts and the ongoing developments in the region.

October 10, 2024

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is worsening as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate towns and cities. Over 600,000 people have been displaced due to Israeli evacuation orders and military operations. Amid this crisis, Anera’s Lebanon staff—many displaced themselves—are working around the clock with unwavering commitment to support their communities during this time of war.

Today, Anera’s North team refilled 4,500 liters of water at Daher El Ein Mixed Formal School, which is sheltering 110 internally displaced persons from the South. This service is being provided in coordination with shelter coordinators and the Lebanese Red Cross to meet urgent needs.

In addition, Anera, in partnership with the GBV sector and the Lebanese Red Cross, distributed dignity kits to 52 women at Berqayel High School in Akkar. The kits included essential supplies like sanitary pads, torches with batteries, socks, underwear, tissues, and backpacks—providing vital support to displaced women during these challenging times.

October 9, 2024

Today in Akkar we distributed 150 dignity kits, 150 hygiene kits and 141 pillows to UNRWA in Nahr El Bared Palestinian Refugee Camp.

We also delivered dry food (bulgur, rice, oil, etc.) to the AICP central kitchen.

We are working with chef Richard Khoury to pilot three kitchens that prepare hot meals serving displaced people in Dekouane, Mount Lebanon; Beirut; and Rachaya, Bekaa. The Central Kitchen in Kfardines, Rachaya will cook and support six shelters in the areas of West Bekaa and Rachaya.

Lastly, today, we received 160 blankets from UNHCR that we will distribute to eight shelters in Akkar.

October 8, 2024

We initiated three pilot kitchens focused on delivering ready-to-eat meals in hard-to-reach areas in shelters. Additionally, youth participants part of our programing with UNICEF, helped assemble winter kits that contain warm items, providing much-needed relief for vulnerable families.

To address water and hygiene, we are creating family hygiene kits, which will include 3-gallon water bottles for each family. Additionally, Anera now has the ability and tools to test water and ensure that the water in shelters is 100% safe and drinkable.

We also distributed a total of 236 family hygiene kits at two shelter schools in Tripoli (the Hospitality Institute and Akram Awayda Vocational School), and another school in Zgharta (Tony Frangieh School).

And we distributed 37 feminine hygiene kits at a school in Minieh.

October 7, 2024

We continued providing barber services, covering three schools and serving approximately 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) with haircuts and shaves. More services are planned!

Additionally, we delivered approximately 3,170 gallons of water to Kfar Habo Public School in North Lebanon, ensuring access to clean water for 150 displaced persons.

October 6, 2024

We delivered approximately 1,585 gallons of clean water to Bourj Hammoud School, which is hosting 135 families. After filling the tanks, we used the remaining water to clean the school playground and common areas. Women and children worked together, using cleaning detergents to sweep and clean all areas. The kids were thrilled with this cleanup activity, enjoying the fresh, tidy environment.

October 5, 2024

On Saturday, at Abdullah Khoury School in Hammana, we distributed 36 winterization kits for children, ensuring they are better prepared for the cold months ahead. In Saadnayel, at Al Jarmak UNRWA School, we provided 500 pillows, 100 mattresses and 100 covers to families in need.

In Beirut and Mount Lebanon, we delivered 1,000 mattresses, 700 pillows and 950 blankets to 9 different locations. These efforts would not have been possible without the incredible support of our dedicated team. Together, we are not just delivering essential items—we are spreading hope, warmth, and compassion to those who need it most.

October 4, 2024

Last night was really difficult. Heavy airstrikes continued all night. One explosion was so massive that it could be felt in the mountains. Israeli forces also struck the main route across the border between Lebanon and Syria, rendering it impassible. This morning, the Palestinian refugee camps in the south received forced expulsion orders. We are now seeing a new wave of displaced people fleeing north, often with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Today, Anera distributed pillows to 148 displaced people sheltering in Gebran Makary Public School, in Anfeh. We also distributed 120 mattresses to those sheltering at the Dekwane Institute.

October 3, 2024

Since launching our emergency response, our team has provided support to over 20,000 people, including Lebanese citizens, as well as Palestinian and Syrian refugees, sheltering in 875 locations.

Today alone, we distributed 30,027 essential items, including 12,000 units of medicine. We also provided 400 pillows to the Lebanese University Faculty of Arts in Beirut and 300 bottles of shampoo and hygiene supplies to displaced families.

Access to clean water is also a growing concern as many host shelters have outdated water systems and cannot accommodate the growing number of residents. In response, our team delivered 951 gallons of water to Al-Murabbi Mohammad Khair Al-Din Al-Rifai School for Boys, provided 1,056 gallons to Halba Public School for Boys in Akkar, and refilled 1,188 gallons of water at a school hosting families displaced from southern Lebanon.

While our team continues working tirelessly to maintain the flow of essential supplies, there is widespread concern about the sustainability of imports moving forward. Pharmaceutical and food suppliers are reporting dwindling reserves, and the sudden surge in demand is exhausting their stock at an alarming rate.

In the face of these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve those in need.

October 2, 2024

The situation in Lebanon has significantly deteriorated, particularly in Beirut, where ongoing Israeli rocket attacks and heavy bombing are causing widespread fear and unrest. The southern suburbs of Beirut have been especially hard-hit, with bombings continuing late into the night, leaving residents unable to sleep. Despite these challenges, Anera remains operational and committed to addressing the humanitarian needs arising from this escalating crisis.

All Anera staff and their families are accounted for and unharmed, though many have taken precautionary steps to relocate. In light of the growing threats, Anera has made strategic decisions to ensure continued operations. These include bulk procurement of essential supplies such as food, bedding, hygiene items, and medical provisions to avoid anticipated shortages. Additionally, Anera is in the process of relocating its distribution centers from a heavily targeted area to safer locations.

Our staff are actively responding to the needs of displaced populations across the country, distributing essential supplies in shelters. Our emergency response efforts today included 

• delivering 180 mattresses to three schools-turned-shelters
• providing 8,500 liters of water to 2 schools in the north hosting displaced families
• distributing 100 mattresses, 300 shampoo bottles, and hygiene kits for displaced families at the Dekwaneh Institute, with an additional 200 mattresses scheduled for tomorrow.

October 1, 2024

Yesterday, Israel initiated a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, sparking widespread fear across the nation as residents face an uncertain future. Intense bombing in this area has left deep scars and opened old wounds and trauma from previous conflicts and tragedies, such as the Beirut port explosion in 2020 and the war in 2006. A staff member described the vibrations of the attacks as “traumatizing,” while another staff member highlighted that the current aggression appears more severe and distinct compared to past wars in Lebanon.

The escalation has led to significant displacement, with many homeless— which staff members add is an unusual concept in Lebanon. Out of desperation, an estimated 100,000 people fled to Syria, a country still grappling with the effects of the war that began in 2011. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there are an estimated one million people in Lebanon in urgent need of aid.

Anera’s team has been actively responding to this crisis, delivering tens of thousands of essential items made possible by the generous support from our community. Most recently, our team distributed 500 menstrual health management kits to shelters in the southern governorate of Jezzine. Additionally, they distributed 118 sleeping bags throughout Al Saada Technical School and Burj Al Arab Mixed Public School in Akkar.

However, the ground invasion and continued conflict are significantly complicating humanitarian efforts. There are reports from pharmaceutical and food suppliers indicating that while there may be a four-month supply of medicines in the country, the sudden surge in demand is depleting those reserves faster than expected. People are panicking, buying more than they need, which is only accelerating the shortages. It’s not just about supply; the entire supply chain is under strain.

The ongoing attacks are disrupting supply chains, making it challenging to deliver aid where it’s most needed. For example, a specialty mattress factory in Bekaa was damaged in an attack, hindering the production and distribution of mattresses and other essential goods. As a result, there have been sharp price increases, further limiting access to critical supplies for those affected.

These challenges make it increasingly difficult for organizations to help displaced and vulnerable populations. Despite these obstacles, our team remains committed to providing aid and relief to those in need during these uncertain times.

September 30, 2024

In the midst of escalating violence and widespread destruction in Lebanon, the situation for countless families is dire, with over one million people displaced and many more affected by bombings and ground attacks. Despite the chaos, Anera’s team remains steadfast in our efforts to provide urgent aid and improve living conditions for those in need. 

Our team responded to severe water system failures at the Lebanese University (UNESCO), which hosts 800 displaced persons. Due to outdated infrastructure, the water system was overwhelmed, leading to issues with clogged and dirty tanks. Our team worked diligently to clean and repair the tanks, restore broken pipes, and ultimately provide residents with a safe, fully functioning water system. 

In Dekwene, a eastern suburb of Beirut, we are assessing the needs at a local school, currently serving as a shelter, and will prepare hot meals for the 1,900 internally displaced individuals that reside there.

The situation remains challenging, with widespread displacement and uncertainty. A ground invasion looms, and infrastructure issues, such as old, poorly maintained shelters, further complicate relief efforts, particularly as the rainy season approaches. Despite these obstacles, we continue to respond proactively, distribute supplies, and coordinate with partners to meet growing needs. 

September 29, 2024

With support from UNHCR and UNICEF, we’ve distributed over 5,500 pillows and mattresses, reaching various shelters in Beirut, Saida and Tripoli. Specifically, 600 mattresses and blankets were delivered to a shelter in Saida, while 600 additional sets reached displaced persons at the Lebanese University (UNESCO). Al Arabi Center at Zkak Blat and displaced families in Tripoli also received critical supplies.

In Northern Lebanon, Anera’s team provided urgent support to Meriata Official School by filling two large water tanks, each with a capacity of approximately 2110 gallons, to ensure students and displaced individuals have reliable access to clean water.

September 28, 2024

As many of you have seen, it has been a dark few days for Lebanon, marked by the recent bombing in Beirut’s southern suburbs. In response, some residents have fled as far north as Tripoli, nearly 50 miles away, while the streets of Beirut are filled with displaced families. Some of our staff have slept in their cars or sought safety elsewhere, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of this crisis.

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Anera’s team in the today distributed 400 feminine hygiene kits and 400 family kits across six locations in Mount Lebanon. Our team also distributed 300 blankets and 300 pillows to a school in the Tarik El Jdide neighborhood in Beirut.

September 27, 2024

The situation in Lebanon is devastating. Airstrikes, fear, and uncertainty plague families across the country. In the last five days alone, at least 700 people have been killed — around a quarter of them women and children — with thousands more injured. Over 111,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the last year, and that number has now doubled in recent days.

At least 500 shelters have been opened across the country for the ever-growing number of families forced to flee their homes; 300 of these shelters are in schools, disrupting the education of nearly 100,000 students. The health system is struggling with limited resources to meet the growing number of patients, with many hospitals already at capacity. Access to clean water has been cut off for at least 30,000 people due to severe damage to water infrastructure in the Bekaa and South governorates.

Anera’s deep roots in Lebanon expand across various sectors and throughout six decades. Thanks to the prepositioning of aid over the last several weeks, Anera staff were able to respond not just quickly, but immediately. We’ve already distributed hundreds of sleeping bags and blankets for displaced families, provided hygiene kits, and delivered emergency medical backpacks.

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Today, our team distributed 360 hygiene kits donated by Direct Relief to families displaced from southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Each kit serves a family of five members.

Yesterday, our Bekaa team distributed 270 mattresses, 300 blankets and 300 pillows procured and donated by Anera, as well as 180 hygiene kits donated by Direct Relief, and 100 winter kits donated by UNICEF to three shelters in Majdelbaana. We also distributed bedding in Akkar, and in Amioun and Tripoli in North Lebanon.

On Wednesday, in partnership with UNICEF Lebanon, our team visited Ain Onoub and Maaroufieh Schools in Mount Lebanon to distribute 220 sleeping bags and 220 blankets as part of our emergency response.