SNAPSHOT SUMMARY:
Context
For the fourth consecutive week, Lebanon has witnessed a further escalation of conflict with Israeli airstrikes continuing to expand across the country. Over the past week, Bekaa Governorate experienced intense airstrikes. In Nabatiehh, in the South, airstrikes on 16 October killed 16 people and injured 52 individuals. Among those killed was the mayor and members of the local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit, who were gathered at the municipality building for a relief management meeting. Amidst the escalating conflict, the number of displaced people has risen to over 1.2 million, including those internally displaced within Lebanon and those who have been forcibly displaced into Syria. 33% of the internally displaced individuals are children.
Assessment Findings and Response Overview
Latest Rapid Needs Assessment Findings:
• As of 17 October 2024, the IRC’s Rapid Needs Assessments (RNA) surveyed 892 internally displaced families, comprising 8,877 individuals 32% of the surveyed individuals are children under 15, 8% are elderly, and 4% are people with disabilities.
• With a slight increase from the previous weeks, a concerning 4% (67 families out of 1892) reported that their children have been separated from them due to forced displacement and airstrikes. These children are staying with relatives or neighbors and cases have been referred to the respective organizations. However, the actual number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) is likely to be higher in such conflict contexts (3-5% of the displaced population), underscoring the urgent need for a tracking system and reunification support.
• Northern Lebanon: Northern Lebanon continues to be the primary destination for IDPs, with Akkar continuing to be the more favorable area. The region is hosting 61% (1,120 households) of the displaced population, mirroring trends from the previous week (63%). Noting that more than 85% of the shelters in the area are at maximum capacity, highlighting shelter concerns given the strong influx of IDPs to this area.
• Beirut and Mount Lebanon (BML): Similar to the previous week, 24% of the IDPs (446 households) reportedly relocated to areas within BML, with the majority arriving from south Lebanon (56%) showing a slight decrease compared to October 11th, 2024 (59%). Internal displacement within BML still highlights varied safety levels within the governorate, with the majority fleeing areas within and around southern Beirut. Minimal movement to BML is reported from Baalbek El Hermel, likely due to safety and financial barriers.
• Baalbak El Hermel: Baalbak El Hermel currently hosts about 15% of the total IDPs, with 91% being internally displaced from within the area, reflecting previous trends. The remaining 9%, arriving from the South and Beirut/Mount Lebanon, relocated to Baalbek El Hermel not out of a sense of safety, but because it was reported the only available shelter option. Although there has been a slight increase in families leaving Baalbek El Hermel for the north, the number remains very low, mainly due to road safety concerns and financial barriers. This highlights the ongoing lack of secure relocation options and the persistent barriers preventing IDPs from moving to safer areas, reinforcing their unstable situation.
SNAPSHOT SUMMARY:
Context
For the fourth consecutive week, Lebanon has witnessed a further escalation of conflict with Israeli airstrikes continuing to expand across the country. Over the past week, Bekaa Governorate experienced intense airstrikes. In Nabatiehh, in the South, airstrikes on 16 October killed 16 people and injured 52 individuals. Among those killed was the mayor and members of the local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit, who were gathered at the municipality building for a relief management meeting. Amidst the escalating conflict, the number of displaced people has risen to over 1.2 million, including those internally displaced within Lebanon and those who have been forcibly displaced into Syria. 33% of the internally displaced individuals are children.
Assessment Findings and Response Overview
Latest Rapid Needs Assessment Findings:
• As of 17 October 2024, the IRC’s Rapid Needs Assessments (RNA) surveyed 892 internally displaced families, comprising 8,877 individuals 32% of the surveyed individuals are children under 15, 8% are elderly, and 4% are people with disabilities.
• With a slight increase from the previous weeks, a concerning 4% (67 families out of 1892) reported that their children have been separated from them due to forced displacement and airstrikes. These children are staying with relatives or neighbors and cases have been referred to the respective organizations. However, the actual number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) is likely to be higher in such conflict contexts (3-5% of the displaced population), underscoring the urgent need for a tracking system and reunification support.
• Northern Lebanon: Northern Lebanon continues to be the primary destination for IDPs, with Akkar continuing to be the more favorable area. The region is hosting 61% (1,120 households) of the displaced population, mirroring trends from the previous week (63%). Noting that more than 85% of the shelters in the area are at maximum capacity, highlighting shelter concerns given the strong influx of IDPs to this area.
• Beirut and Mount Lebanon (BML): Similar to the previous week, 24% of the IDPs (446 households) reportedly relocated to areas within BML, with the majority arriving from south Lebanon (56%) showing a slight decrease compared to October 11th, 2024 (59%). Internal displacement within BML still highlights varied safety levels within the governorate, with the majority fleeing areas within and around southern Beirut. Minimal movement to BML is reported from Baalbek El Hermel, likely due to safety and financial barriers.
• Baalbak El Hermel: Baalbak El Hermel currently hosts about 15% of the total IDPs, with 91% being internally displaced from within the area, reflecting previous trends. The remaining 9%, arriving from the South and Beirut/Mount Lebanon, relocated to Baalbek El Hermel not out of a sense of safety, but because it was reported the only available shelter option. Although there has been a slight increase in families leaving Baalbek El Hermel for the north, the number remains very low, mainly due to road safety concerns and financial barriers. This highlights the ongoing lack of secure relocation options and the persistent barriers preventing IDPs from moving to safer areas, reinforcing their unstable situation.
Scope
National
Intervention Sectors
Food & Nutrition
Human Rights & Protection
Shelter and Non-Food Items
Organisation
Date
Countries
Lebanon