The United Nations refugee agency has issued a warning regarding the escalating number of displaced people in Lebanon, with tens of thousands fleeing their homes in recent days. The situation has been described as 'extremely alarming' and 'very chaotic' by UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh.
The displacement crisis in Lebanon is rapidly unfolding, with tens of thousands already displaced and the numbers expected to increase further, according to Saltmarsh. Many civilians are moving towards Beirut and surrounding areas from southern Lebanon, prompting the UNHCR to focus on ensuring adequate water and sanitation facilities in shelters.
Furthermore, the UN is prepared to expand its humanitarian assistance efforts in the Beqaa Valley following evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military. Saltmarsh highlighted that even before the recent escalation, over 100,000 individuals had been displaced from southern Lebanon, with UNHCR providing support to them.
Lebanon, which already hosts more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees, is now facing the challenge of accommodating an additional influx of displaced individuals, including 87,000 others in the south of the country. Saltmarsh emphasized the plight of those experiencing 'double displacement' as they navigate the complex humanitarian situation.
