Continuous Suffering of Lebanese Refugees in Overcrowded Shelters
As the conflict in southern Lebanon escalates, the humanitarian crisis among displaced families intensifies. The ongoing Israeli military actions have forced approximately 190,680 individuals, equivalent to 44,908 families, to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters across the country. The Supreme Defense Council of the Lebanese Council of Ministers reports that 1,163 shelters are currently housing these displaced persons, with 991 of them at full capacity, leading to dire living conditions.
The distribution of displaced persons is notably concentrated in several governorates: Mount Lebanon (70,219), Beirut (55,634), South Lebanon (14,898), Bekaa (14,839), North Lebanon (13,748), Baalbek-Hermel (12,993), Akkar (7,376), and Nabatieh (973). The relentless bombardment has resulted in 155 raids in just 48 hours, increasing the cumulative total to 12,630 raids, further exacerbating the crisis.
Daily Challenges Faced by Displaced Families
The conditions in the shelters reveal a shared suffering among displaced individuals, characterized by exhaustion and despair. Many families recount their harrowing experiences of fleeing their homes, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. Abu Ali, a displaced person from Aitaroun, expressed his frustration over the lack of basic necessities, stating that essential items like blankets and mattresses are in short supply. He highlighted the inadequacy of food aid, which often does not meet their needs, forcing families to discard unsuitable provisions.
Abu Alaa, another displaced father, described the challenges of feeding his family, noting that while they receive some meals, there is a critical shortage of medicine for his brother, who requires treatment. The psychological toll on children is also significant, with many experiencing trauma and anxiety due to the ongoing violence and instability.
The Impact of War on Education and Basic Needs
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated to levels worse than those seen during the 2006 war. Displaced families face severe shortages of basic needs, particularly as winter approaches. Women like Umm Abbas, who have been displaced multiple times, recount their struggles with inadequate heating and sanitation facilities, further compounding their hardships.
Education for displaced children has also been severely disrupted. With online learning being the only option, many families lack the necessary technology and internet access, making it nearly impossible for children to continue their studies. Umm Yassin, a mother living in a shelter, lamented the challenges her children face in concentrating on lessons amid the constant fear and noise of warplanes overhead. The overall situation remains dire, with families continuing to suffer from the consequences of conflict and displacement.
