UNRWA Situation Report #4 on the Lebanon Emergency Response. All Information from 30 September - 3 October 2024, Valid as of 3 October 2024 at 14:00
UNRWA
4 Oct 2024
Key Points
- For the second consecutive week, airstrikes across the country have driven further displacement. Over the reporting period, airstrikes have expanded affecting wider areas, including central Beirut and Palestine Refugee camps.
- At the start of October, UNRWA temporarily suspended most of its operations in the Tyre area, primarily because of the displacement of UNRWA staff due to the security situation.
- Since the activation of its Emergency Response in Lebanon on 24 September, UNRWA has opened 12 emergency shelters. As of 3 October, three UNRWA emergency shelters have reached their maximum capacity.
- The 12 shelters operated by UNRWA are located in the following areas: one in Beirut (Yabud School), five in the Saida Area (Siblin Training Centre, Nablus School, Rafidya School, Beir Zeit/Beit Jala School, and Deir Qasi school), five in the North (Toubas School, Amqa School, Mount Tabour School, Battir School, and Majeddo and Mazar school, all in Nahr el-Bared Camp), and one in Beqaa (Jarmaq School, in Zahle District).
- A total of 4,250 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have registered in UNRWA shelters as of 3 October[1], marking an 82 per cent increase from the 2,332 people registered in UNRWA shelters as of 30 September. This number is expected to continue to rise.
[1] Data cut off time: 3 October 14:00
Overall Situation
- As of 1 October 2024, at least 1,745 people have been killed and 8,767 injured in Lebanon since October 2023 according to UNHCR, citing figures from the Ministry of Public Health.[2]
- According to OCHA, Lebanese national authorities estimate that over 1 million people are now directly affected and/or displaced by the conflict. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports a total of 346,209 people (52 per cent female and 48 per cent male) being displaced between 8 October 2023 and 29 September 2024, with new displacements continuing to be reported and counting still ongoing[3].
- Since 8 October 2023, six hospitals in Baalbek, Nabatieh, and southern Lebanon have been reported damaged, while approximately 40 out of 317 primary health centers and two hospitals have suspended services.
- On 1 October, the Lebanese Prime Minister and the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon jointly launched a Flash Appeal calling for US$ 425.7 million to address the urgent needs of 1 million people affected by displacement and the escalating conflict in the country, aiming to provide life-saving assistance and ensure the protection of civilians and essential services.
- The number of public facilities serving as emergency shelters across the country has risen to over 875[4], primarily comprising public schools, educational complexes, vocational institutes, and agricultural centres. People are being directed to these shelters through governorate operations rooms, via designated hotlines. At the time of writing, 625 (71 per cent) of these facilities have reached maximum capacity.
- Educational institutions in Lebanon remain closed for learning.
- As of 1 October, approximately 177,000 Syrian and 63,000 Lebanese nationals had crossed into Syria to escape the conflict, according to the national authorities in Syria.[5]
- As of 3 October[6], 1,285 households, representing a total of 4,250 people, are registered in UNRWA emergency shelters across the country, marking an increase of 82 per cent since the last report of 30 September. Of these, 66 per cent are Palestinian, 16 per cent are Syrian, and 18 per cent are Lebanese. Among the Palestinian population, 70 per cent are Palestine Refugees from Lebanon (PRL) and 30 per cent are Palestine Refugees from Syria (PRS).
[2] UNHCR Lebanon Emergency Flash Update (1 October 2024)
[3] OCHA Lebanon: Flash Update #31 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 1 October 2024 - 10:00 p.m: Lebanon: Flash Update #31 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 1 October 2024 - 10:00 p.m. - Lebanon | ReliefWeb
[4] Ibid
[5] Flash Update #31 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 1 October 2024 - 10:00 p.m: Lebanon: Flash Update #31 - Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 1 October 2024 - 10:00 p.m. - Lebanon | ReliefWeb
[6] Cut off date: 3 October 15:00
Humanitarian Access, Protection of Civilians
- On 2 October, Israel authorities issued evacuation orders for residents of multiple locations in South Lebanon, both Burj Shemali and Rashadieh were mentioned in the order. This prompted many people, including Palestinians residing in the nearby camps and UNRWA staff, to leave to the Saida area and further north. Further to this displacement, UNRWA has suspended its operations in the Tyre area until further notice, affecting all three Palestine Refugee camps in the region: Rashidieh, El Buss, and Burj Shemali. It has been reported that only 25 per cent of the usual population remains in Rashidieh, only 50 per cent in Bourj Shemali, while El Buss is almost empty. These three camps usually host 20,000 people.
- On 1 October, an airstrike reportedly targeted the house of Fatah leader Munir Makdah in Ein el-Hilweh Camp, resulting in eight reported fatalities. There is no confirmed information regarding Makdah's current status. UNRWA suspended operations in the camp on the day of the attack and resumed the following day.
- In the reporting period, no additional damage to UNRWA facilities was reported. Since the onset of the emergency response, two facilities — Qastal School in Baalbek (Beqaa) and Mansoura School in Tyre (South) — have sustained minor damage, as previously reported.
UNRWA response
- Since announcing the activation of its Emergency Response on 24 September, UNRWA has opened 12 emergency shelters across the country, three of which have already reached maximum capacity, namely: Amqa School in Nahr el-Bared Camp Yabud School in Beirut, and Beit Jala-Beir Zeit School in Saida.
- To increase shelter capacity, two additional shelters have now been prepared to accommodate IDPs: Manara School emergency shelter in Nahr el-Bared Camp, North Lebanon Area, with a capacity of 820 IDPs, and Sakhra School emergency shelter near Mieh Mieh camp, Saida area, with a capacity of 750 IDPs.
- The rapidly increasing demand is exerting pressure on the emergency response, requiring additional staff for maintenance, security, and service provision. To enhance efficiency in addressing urgent needs, where possible UNRWA is reallocating regular staff to emergency operations.
- However, additional funding is necessary, and UNRWA has launched a Flash Appeal for the emergency response.
- Where possible and relevant, UNRWA coordinates with local partners to provide additional services to displaced persons. In its delivery of services, UNRWA has been coordinating closely with UN Agencies and international organisations including the IOM, UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), and with international NGOs including the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Save the Children International (SCI), and Action Against Hunger (ACF). At each emergency shelter, a co-support partner has been identified - these include Nabaa, Tadamon, Beit Atfal El-Somoud, and Arab Resource Center for Popular Arts (ARCPA).
UNRWA Shelters
- Toubas School (North)
Toubas School emergency shelter opened on 24 September, with a capacity of 774 IDPs. This shelter is located within the Nahr el-Bared Camp in northern Lebanon. Psychosocial Support (PSS) and recreational activities are being implemented by a local partner, the Al Somoud Association. Currently, 114 families with 429 people have been registered in the shelter.
- Amqa School (North)
Amqa School emergency shelter opened on 27 September. The shelter is located in Nahr el-Bared camp and is prepared to receive up to 396 IDPs. Currently, 107 families with 412 people have been registered in the shelter. The shelter is now full and cannot receive any further IDPs.
- Battir School (North)
Battir School emergency shelter opened on the night of 29-30 September. The shelter is located in Nahr el-Bared camp and is prepared to receive up to 828 IDPs. Currently, 120 families with 404 people have been registered in the shelter.
- Mount Tabour School (North)
Mount Tabour school emergency shelter opened on 28 September. The shelter is located in Nahr el-Bared camp and is equipped to receive up to 161 IDPs. Currently, 133 families with 440 people have been registered in the shelter. The shelter is now full and cannot receive any further IDPs.
- Majeddo and Mazar School (North) / New
Majeddo and Mazar School emergency shelter opened on 2 October. The shelter is located in Nahr el-Bared. The shelter is equipped to accommodate up to 720 IDPs. Registration of IDPs has started but registration figures are not yet available.
- Yabud School (Beirut)
Yabud School emergency shelter opened on 29 September replacing Bir Hassan Shelter in order to offer increased capacity. It is equipped to accommodate up to 150 IDPs. Given the limited capacity of Yabud School emergency shelter and the increasing demand, UNRWA is referring IDPs to shelters located in the northern area. Currently, 58 families with 182 people have been registered in the shelter. The shelter is now full and cannot receive any further IDPs.
- Siblin Training Centre (South)
Siblin emergency shelter opened to IDPs on 24 September. This shelter, located in the Saida area, can to receive 1,400 IDPs with the possibility of significantly increasing its intake capacity. Currently, 200 families with 657 people have been registered in the shelter.
- Nablus School (South)
In response to a request from the Municipality of Saida, on the 25 September, UNRWA opened Nablus School emergency shelter to accommodate IDPs from the South. The school has the capacity to accommodate between 300 and 400 people. Currently, 77 families with 236 people have been registered in the shelter.
- Rafidya School (South)
Rafidya School emergency shelter opened on 26 September. The shelter is in Saida city and is prepared to receive up to 250 IDPs. Currently, 66 families, with 231 people, have been registered in the shelter.
- Beir Zeit - Beit Jala School (South)
Beir Zeit - Beit Jala School emergency shelter opened on the afternoon of 28 September. These two schools are inthe same compound in the northern Saida area, midway to Beirut. The shelter is fully equipped to accommodate up to 684 IPDs. Currently, 236 Families with 743 people have been registered in the shelter. The shelter is now full and cannot receive any further IDPs.
- Deir Qasi School (South) / New
Deir Qasi School emergency shelter opened on 1 October. The shelter is located in Mieh Mieh refugee camp, in the Saida area. The shelter is equipped to accommodate up to 480 IDPS. Currently, 108 families with 371 people have been registered in the shelter.
- Jarmak School (Beqaa)
Jarmak School emergency shelter, located in Saddnayel village (Zahle District), opened on 27 September. A community kitchen is being established at this shelter to enable displaced people to cook their own meals. The shelter can accommodate up to 468 people. Currently, 66 families, with 145 people, have been registered in the shelter.
Programmatic & Operational Response
Health
- The further deterioration of the security situation across the country has impacted UNRWA's health capacities. As of this report, out of 27 UNRWA Health Centres, 12 are operational and 15 are closed, with all centres in the Tyre area closed, and two remaining open in Beirut area. In contrast, the situation in the north is more stable, with all centres functioning in both the North area and Bekaa.
- To provide health services to refugees in Beirut, a new emergency Health Centre has been opened in the Museytbeh neighborhood, operating out of an UNRWA Relief and Social Services Office to address the growing needs of the population and IDPs in the capital. The UNRWA central pharmacy is currently transferring stock of essential medications to this newly established centre.
- On 24 September, UNRWA activated its Emergency Hospitalization Response on, covering the treatment of wounded civilians at contracted hospitals. Over the reporting period, there have been 11 emergency hospitalizations: six patients in Saida (all still admitted since 29 September), three patients in Tyre (all discharged), one patient in Beqaa (discharged), and one patient in the North area (discharged); no patients have been admitted in the Central Lebanon Area since the beginning of the conflict.
Protection
- During a funeral held in Nahr el-Bared Camp, a shooting in the air resulted in injuries and one fatality, contributing to heightened tensions in the area.
- The UNRWA Protection team has begun conducting protection assessments in emergency shelters. On 2 October, the Legal Focal Point in the North Lebanon Area delivered an awareness-raising session on legal aid services.
- In recent days, the UNRWA Protection team has actively engaged in external coordination, participating in various meetings to enhance collaboration and share best practices. Discussions included rights and challenges for Palestine Refugees from Syria wishing to return to Syria, as well as participation in the Emergency Protection Core Group and Child Protection Working Group meetings.
Sanitation Services/WASH
- The influx of IDPs into Nahr el-Bared has exacerbated water shortages in the camp and has led to a significant increase in solid waste generation within the camp. In response, the operating hours of water treatment plants have been extended; however, there is an urgent need for additional fuel to sustain these extended operations and to facilitate increased trips for the disposal of the accumulating solid waste.
- Water scarcity is also a concern at the Yabud shelter in Beirut, due to the influx of IDPs. UNRWA is increasing the number of trucks delivering water to the shelter.
Logistics
- The security situation continues to impact on logistics operations. Movements remain challenging, and the Agency continues to face difficulties in securing trucks and drivers in southern areas to move supplies and for garbage disposal, as many individuals continue to leave to the north.
- UNRWA's Procurement and Logistics Department consistently monitors stock levels and identifies gaps to plan the transportation of goods accordingly. During the reporting period, UNRWA transported 1,250 blankets from Beirut to shelters in the north.
- To ensure the proper functioning of shelters and address the issue of continuous generator operation, UNRWA has transported and installed five backup generators for the Nablus, Rafidia, Battir, Majeddo, and Mazzar shelters.
Quote from Latifa, displaced Palestine Refugee in Lebanon:
"We were seven people in the car, on top of one another along with the children. The traffic was jammed and there was bombing all the way."
ENDS
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
