Lebanon Activity Log | October 2024

Today, Anera’s North team provided essential support to displaced communities in Lebanon. They refilled 4,500 liters of water at Wissam Eid Secondary School, a formal school currently hosting 90 internally displaced persons, ensuring the school has reliable access to clean water.

Additionally, Anera’s team, with the help of dedicated Nahno Volunteers, distributed 115 UNICEF winter kits to four shelters in the Dennieh area. These kits will help families stay warm as temperatures drop, bringing comfort and security to those facing challenging conditions.

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The Tyre Union of Municipalities and displaced people at shelters have begun planting seedlings provided by Anera in an effort to ensure that those remaining in Tyre in difficult to reach areas will have access to food.

In the North we distributed 85 winter kits, provided by UNICEF, to four shelters in the Koura area.

And in Akkar, we distributed 198 sleeping bags, crafted by students in our vocational sewing courses, to four shelters located in higher (and colder) altitudes. We undertook these distributions in collaboration with Akkar Network for Development and supported by Nahno Volunteers.

October 28, 2024

As the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepens, the city of Tyre in the south faces a relentless onslaught of Israeli airstrikes. This escalation follows an evacuation warning from the Israeli military, leaving countless residents displaced and vulnerable. The need for shelter, security, and essential supplies is more pressing than ever, with Lebanon’s displacement numbers climbing to 833,391 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of recent reports. Over the past week alone, 31,814 new displacements were recorded, while 191,473 IDPs found temporary refuge in 1,003 collective shelters across the country.

The consequences of this crisis extend beyond Lebanon’s borders. Amid the intensifying violence, 22,498 Lebanese have sought refuge in Iraq, where an average of 500 individuals arrive daily via the Al-Qaim border crossing. This includes thousands of Syrians who had originally sought safety in Lebanon but are now forced to cross back into Syria, where 425,000 people are estimated to have fled since the latest hostilities began. The journey of these displaced people is precarious, as they traverse regions often ill-equipped to meet such unprecedented needs.

As winter approaches, the challenges facing displaced families are compounded by the drop in temperatures, especially in mountainous areas. Anera is working with UNICEF and other partners to help alleviate some of the hardship by distributing essential items such as bedding, blankets, and winter clothing in collective shelters. Additionally, in-kind donations have enabled the installation of washing machines in several shelters, with plans to expand this support to more locations in need. Through UNICEF’s emergency funding, solar panels are being set up in 20-30 shelters to help maintain basic hygiene and provide heating, a critical component for families enduring harsh winter conditions in inadequately prepared shelters.

Anera’s youth program has also pivoted to focus on emergency support, with youth volunteers engaged in activities that not only provide psychosocial care to young children but also equip shelters with winter kits. The resilience and dedication of youth volunteers have been instrumental in addressing urgent needs on the ground, creating sleeping bags, and assisting with emergency education. Yet, even with these ongoing efforts, the humanitarian need remains vast and immediate. As thousands continue to be uprooted from their homes each week, both Lebanon and neighboring countries are strained, underscoring the urgent need for international awareness, resources, and support for those impacted by this escalating conflict.

Anera continues to provide critical support across Lebanon as part of its ongoing humanitarian response.

Winter Kit Arrival: A truck carrying winter kits from UNICEF arrived today. Anera’s youth volunteers are helping organize the kits, which will be distributed next week.

Clothing Distribution: Anera’s Nahno volunteers sorted through 9 tons of donated clothing for women, men, and children to be distributed soon.

Blanket Distribution in Aley: On October 24, 150 blankets were distributed to Ramlieh Public School in the Aley area, providing essential warmth as the cold season begins.

Hygiene Kits in Akkar: 27 hygiene kits were distributed at Berkayel Technical School in Akkar, benefiting 100 people.

Tyre, South Lebanon: This morning, Anera participated in a joint humanitarian convoy with the Tyre Union of Municipalities and other international NGOs, delivering 500 ready-to-eat food parcels from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and 200 sleeping bags from UNICEF to Tyre.

Anera’s ongoing efforts continue to make a significant impact in Lebanon, providing essential support to vulnerable communities across the country.

Today, we continued distributing hot meals through our community kitchen in Mowasa, Saida, serving 1,115 people today.

And in Mount Lebanon, we delivered water via truck to people sheltering at the Barja public school.

Today, Anera distributed a total of 450 blankets to three shelters in Beirut: the Yaabed UNRWA elementary school in Tarik Jdideh; ⁠the Othman Thul Nourain School in Koraitem; and the Mujammaa Sheikh Mhmd Mahmasani in Jnah.

Before the latest invasion in Lebanon, a staggering 42% of the population was already grappling with food insecurity, struggling to access enough nutritious food for their families. Now, with over 800,000 people internally displaced, the situation is worse than before. The displacement of so many people has not only disrupted lives but has also put immense pressure on already stretched food supplies, medical services, and housing.

In response, our team on the ground remains committed to doing everything we can, despite the challenging circumstances. Today, we prepared 1,115 meals for three schools in Saida, ensuring students and families will have access to essential food supplies for the next 14 days. Thus far, our team has distributed 16,000 meals. While it may only be a temporary solution, it is a crucial lifeline for those who are struggling to make it through each day.

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Late on October 16, a group of 32 families who were displaced from Nabatieh arrived in Beirut. They had spent more than 13 hours on the road, fleeing a relentless wave of airstrikes that left their hometown in ruins. Exhausted and grief-stricken, they arrived in the capital with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

The humanitarian community in Beirut offered them a safe place to rest, blankets, and basic items to offer a little comfort in the midst of their profound loss. But at that moment what they were most desperate for was food.

“It was late at night and completely unplanned, with ongoing waves of displacement testing our already overstretched resources,” says Dima Zayat, the deputy country director for Anera in Lebanon. “We couldn’t leave their needs unmet, no matter how late it was.”

In a twist of fate, meals that were originally destined for these families in Nabatieh found their way to them in Beirut. Funded by the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF), the meals had been intended for Nabatieh but couldn’t be delivered because of the security situation. When these families arrived in Beirut, we swiftly redirected those same meals to the displaced families.

Anera’s team delivered 32 ready-to-eat food parcels, sufficient to sustain 160 people for the next two weeks.

“This was more than just food, it was a lifeline in a moment of unimaginable hardship — a bittersweet twist that brought some measure of solace in the face of everything they’d lost,” Zayat says.

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains critical, with ongoing Israeli bombings and displacement straining resources. Anera is prioritizing water interventions and winterization efforts, with plans for expansion in response to increasing needs. The Lebanon team is coordinating with partners to address food insecurity and promote digital education and teacher training. New solar panel installations funded by UNICEF aim to enhance energy sustainability in shelters. While security concerns are rising due to airstrikes, Anera staff remain safe, and operational adjustments are being made to adapt to the emergency conditions.

Today, Anera continued its humanitarian response in Lebanon, distributing essential supplies to displaced families. The North team provided 42 feminine hygiene kits to three shelters.

In Akkar, 63 hygiene kits, 39 blankets, and 27 mattresses were delivered to four shelters, benefiting 261 people.

Additionally, Anera distributed 400 blankets across two schools in Beirut: Al-Iman in the Zarif area and Sanabel Beirut in Noueiri, with each school receiving 200 blankets.

Before the latest invasion on Lebanon, 42% of the population already faced food insecurity. Now, with over 1 million people internally displaced, the situation has grown even more dire. In response, Anera is working with local kitchens to provide essential meals to the most vulnerable communities in Beirut, Bekaa and the south. Since September, our team has served 36,139 meals—and we’re just getting started. Your support is critical in helping us continue this work in Lebanon.

Today, Anera staff made significant strides in providing humanitarian aid across Lebanon:

Beirut: As lice and scabies spread among displaced families due to limited sanitation facilities in shelters, Anera is stepping in to help. Anera staff have delivered essential shampoo and treatment supplies to Beirut’s Karantina government warehouse, which will be distributed to healthcare centers supporting shelters across Lebanon, providing relief to those at risk of infection.

Saida: 1,114 hot meals distributed in three shelters.

Akkar: Delivered 500 mattresses, 152 pillows, 350 hygiene kits, and 350 Laha kits to UNRWA.

Hazmieh: Distributed 32 ready-to-eat meals to families displaced by the recent Israeli attack on Nabatieh.

El Meniyeh: Refilled 4,500 liters of water at the Secondary Public School for 85 displaced individuals.

Mositbah: 300 blankets were distributed to a local school.

Northern Lebanon: 200 hygiene kits, 89 Laha kits, 30 mattresses, and 30 blankets delivered to seven community shelters.

• An Israeli airstrike on the Nabatieh municipal headquarters today killed 16 people as they met to coordinate aid deliveries
• Authorities today reported the first confirmed case of cholera in Lebanon, prompting the World Health Organization to warn that if it reaches displaced populations in group shelters “the risk of spread is very high.”
• At public shelters, the average wait time in line to take showers is currently 40 minutes. Many shelters have not yet received crucial water, sanitation and hygiene services.

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The presence of cholera underscores the importance of ensuring water is sanitary. From the outset of our crisis response, Anera has been testing of all of the water we provide prior to delivery.

Today we delivered 150 hygiene kits procured with Anera funds provided by our community of supporters to the Islamic University of Lebanon, in Wardaniyeh, southern Lebanon.

We also received 4.5 tons of emergency medical supplies, including syringes, saline solution, and vital medications donated by Direct Relief. We distributed this medical aid to the Lebanese public health system.

In Akkar, students in our vocational sewing course (implemented with our local partner Ibdaa/Najah and supported by UNICEF and KfW) completed their first batch of sleeping bags today. The 450 sleeping bags they made today are just the start of their efforts. The young people participating told us they are glad to have an opportunity to support the displaced families sheltering in the area.

And in the North today, we distributed 65 feminine hygiene kits for those sheltering in the Eben Khaldoun Public School For Girls and the Eben Khaldoun Public School For Boys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.