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In early 2024, Lebanon faced challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures starting from January 9. These weather conditions led to soil erosion, flash floods, high and overflowing rivers, with strong winds exacerbating the situation. The storm's impact was most pronounced in the North and Akkar, experiencing widespread flooding and damage to shelters in vulnerable locations, particularly in Informal Settlements (ISs). Limited consequences at the household level were observed in Bekaa, Beirut, Mount Lebanon (BML), and the South.
Response partners in Lebanon mobilized in coordination with local authorities and the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected families. A coordinated Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) was activated in the North and Akkar region. Access issues were reported in North Lebanon, Bekaa, and BML due to flooding and severe weather conditions. Ongoing access challenges persisted in certain areas of BML due to restrictions on partners' interventions in ISs by local authorities. Collaborative efforts are underway to ensure improved access for emergency assessment and response.
In the North and Akkar regions, assessments have been conducted in 174 sites, with ongoing activities focused on dewatering/desludging and the distribution of required assistance. At the onset of the storm, more than 1,700 affected Lebanese and displaced Syrian individuals required relocation to alternative accommodation. In other regions, the impact of the storm was more limited. In the Bekaa and Baalbek El Hermel, 66 sites were confirmed as affected, receiving WASH support at the site level, along with the provision of shelter kits and essential winter items. In Beirut Mount Lebanon (BML), field visits confirmed that only five sites were affected. In the South, 13 sites were identified as being affected, receiving support through the acquisition of Core-Relief items (CRIs) and minor shelter repairs, while there was no major impact or flooding observed at the site level.