Attachments
Federation-wide funding requirement: 13,000,000 CHF
IFRC Secretariat funding requirement: 10,000,000 CHF
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The recent escalations of hostilities in the Palestine-Israel region have precipitated a notable increase in tensions along Lebanon's southern border, evoking memories of the 2006 conflict and its profound impact on the region. The Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), informed by the lessons of the past, has taken decisive action to fortify its preparedness for a potential further escalation and to address the immediate humanitarian needs that have emerged from the current situation.
An emergency appeal has been launched to support these critical efforts, and this country response plan document articulates the LRC's comprehensive strategy for response and readiness.
Reflecting on the 2006 conflict, we are reminded of the extensive humanitarian impact it had: approximately 25% of the Lebanese population, amounting to 915,762 individuals, were directly affected. The infrastructure suffered severe damage, with 15,000 residential units requiring repairs and 900 factories, markets, farms, and commercial buildings. Essential public services were disrupted as 32 airports, ports, water, and sewage treatment plants, 25 fuel stations, and 78 bridges were heavily damaged or rendered inoperable. These historical insights underscore the critical need for the LRC's preparedness in the present day.
In anticipation of potential scenarios that could unfold nationwide, the LRC has identified three governorates—South Lebanon, Bekaa, and Beirut—as high-risk areas based on historical data. The current population of these governorates stands at approximately 1,750,000, with a demographic distribution of 51% females and 49% males, including 29% children aged 0-18.
In response to the potential for similar impacts today, the LRC has proactively activated a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) with an initial allocation of 500k CHF, which has been subsequently increased in response to the escalating crisis.
The LRC has established specific triggers for the mobilization of these funds, addressing the following:
Health Emergencies: Mass casualty events, healthcare facilities at capacity, critical medical supply shortages, and disease outbreaks due to compromised infrastructure.
Shelter Crises: Significant internal displacement, lack of adequate shelter, and extreme weather conditions that exacerbate vulnerabilities.
Food Security: Disruptions in supply chains, heightened food insecurity among displaced populations, and the destruction of agricultural assets.
In preparation for these challenges, the LRC has embarked on a series of readiness and response initiatives, including the prepositioning of essential stocks, and bolstering the capabilities of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This plan delineates the LRC's actions to ensure that the national society is equipped and ready to respond to the evolving crisis. By implementing these measures, the LRC is committed to maintaining a state of readiness to provide timely and effective humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the escalation in hostilities.
The continued escalation of the situation in the south and the increasing number of displaced people led to the revision of the Country Response Plan, by adding a component for cash assistance in the amount of 3.1 million CHF.
Additionally, the evolving situations and the reevaluation of the needs resulted in updating some of the budget lines.