Lebanon Response Plan: Water Scarcity & Drought Preparedness & Response 2025 - At a Glance

Overview

Lebanon is currently facing drought-like conditions not seen in recent decades, with rainfall down by more than 50 per cent and reservoirs at alarmingly low levels. More than 1.85 million people (roughly one third of the total population) live in areas highly vulnerable to drought, while 44 per cent of the population relies on unsafe and costly water trucking. Lake Qaraoun, Lebanon’s largest reservoir, has received only 13 per cent of its usual inflows, crippling agriculture, hydropower, and water supply. Drought-related impacts vary significantly across regions: X North & Akkar: Rainfall down 37%; groundwater depletion rising; early signs of water-related tensions. X Bekaa & Baalbek–Hermel: Hardest hit. 25% of wells dried up, springs depleted, and agriculture severely undermined. Protests reported. X Beirut & Mount Lebanon (BML): Water trucking costs up 60% in Beirut city; low-income households forced below safe consumption levels. Illegal wells and weak regulation add strain. X South & Nabatieh: Scarcity compounded by conflict-damaged infrastructure. Municipalities under severe pressure; demonstrations and community fundraising underway.

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