Lebanon
Lebanon - 1.1 Humanitarian Background
Home

 

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Disasters

Type

Occurs

Comments / Details

Drought

NO

N/A

Earthquakes

YES

Lebanon is located in a seismically active region known as the Eastern Mediterranean, where several tectonic plates converge. As a result, the country experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes and frequencies.

Epidemics

NO

Other than COVID-19, and Cholera no epidemics were reported in LEBANON.[RC1] [MK2] 

Extreme Temperatures

NO

N/A

Flooding

Yes

Mainly in the winter season due to the very bad road conditions and drainage system.

Insect Infestation

NO

N/A

Mudslides

NO

N/A

Volcanic Eruptions

NO

N/A

High Waves / Surges

NO

N/A

Wildfires

YES

Wildfires can occur in Lebanon, particularly during the dry and hot seasons. Wildfires in Lebanon can be caused by various factors, including human activities and natural occurrences. Common causes include discarded cigarettes, open fires, agricultural practices, arson, and lightning strikes. Wildfires in Lebanon are more prevalent during the dry and hot seasons, typically from May to October. These months experience high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation, creating favorable conditions for wildfires to spread.

High Winds

NO

N/A

Other Comments

 

Man-Made Issues

Civil Strife

YES

Lebanon's history is characterized by religious and sectarian divisions, political conflicts, and external influences. The country endured a devastating civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and extensive damage to infrastructure.

International Conflict

YES

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon recently increased after the discovery of tunnels, allegedly dug by Hezbollah, leading from Lebanon into Israel. Israel launched Operation Northern Shield in December 2018 in response to the discovery, and the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon confirmed that at least two of the tunnels violate a 2006 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

 

This is a list of wars involving the Republic of Lebanon:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_Lebanon

Internally Displaced Persons

YES

Internal displacements in Lebanon were not continuous but occurred in separate periods of the civil war (1975-1990) due to internal strife, Israeli military invasions, and fighting between Syrian forces and Lebanese militias. It is estimated that at its height up to one million people were displaced. (https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/3bd98d5e0.pdf)

Refugees Present

YES

Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.[RC3] [MK4]  Around 20% of Syrian refugee families live in informal settlements and collective shelters, often in deplorable conditions.  

The crisis has also pushed many Lebanese into poverty. Due to the deprecation of the Lebanese pound and high inflation, people’s purchasing power has significantly decreased.

  • 1.5 million Syrian refugees
  • 211,000 Palestinian refugees
  • 81,000 migrants

(https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/middle-eas….)

Landmines / UXO Present

YES

3,847 people killed or injured, since 1975, as a result of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). The number of casualties peaked in 2006, with 209 people killed or injured between August and December. Through a comprehensive mine action programme, the number of deaths and injuries was reduced to 6 people in 2011. Children both boys and girls are still affected with 40 children under 12 years of age and 75 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 killed or injured since 2006.

In 2015 twenty three persons including children were injured by a mine explosion.

 

https://www.unicef.org/lebanon/stories/amongst-demining-teams-one-stand…

Other Comments

 

 

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.

 

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport

Transport Type

Time Frame

Comments / Details

Primary Road Transport

From December to February

During winter, it is snowing on the mountainous roads of Lebanon, especially in Dhaher Al Beidar,Cedars, and bcharre which could affect the flow of goods between Lebanon and Syria for hours.

Secondary Road Transport

N/A

N/A

Rail Transport

N/A

N/A

Air Transport

From December to February

The heavy storm could disrupt the airports for hours.

Waterway Transport

N/A

N/A

 

Lebanon experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season brings its own characteristics and can have varying effects on transportation in the country.

Spring (March to May) is a pleasant season in Lebanon, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. However, occasional rainfall can occur during this period, potentially affecting road conditions and causing delays or hazards, especially in hilly or mountainous areas.

Summer (June to August) is characterized by hot and dry weather in Lebanon. This season sees an increase in tourism and outdoor activities. While the weather is generally favorable for transportation, traffic congestion can be more common, particularly along coastal routes and popular tourist destinations.

Autumn (September to November) in Lebanon brings moderate temperatures and a gradual transition from summer to winter. This season is known for its beautiful fall foliage in the mountainous regions, attracting visitors. Road conditions are usually good, but occasional rainfall can impact driving conditions and visibility.

Winter (December to February) is the rainy season in Lebanon, and it is also characterized by cold temperatures and snowfall in mountainous areas. Snowstorms and icy conditions can affect transportation, especially in higher elevations, leading to road closures or the need for snow chains. It is important to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions when traveling during winter.

Overall, while the seasons of the year in Lebanon can bring their own challenges and effects on transportation, the country's road infrastructure is generally well-maintained, and efforts are made to address weather-related issues promptly.

 

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling

Activity Type

Time Frame

Comments / Details

Storage

 

Seasonal storage practices are common in Lebanon, especially in rural areas. During the harvest season, agricultural products like grains, fruits, and vegetables are often stored in traditional storage areas known as "Mouneh." These structures help preserve the product for longer durations.[RC5] [MK6] 

In the past, especially in remote villages throughout Lebanon, mouneh was prepared during the harvest, the season of abundance. Fruit, vegetables, herbs, plants and all types of animal products were transformed into foods that could be safely kept for a certain period of time, usually a calendar year.

Today, the world has changed considerably. This, of course, does not mean that it is a positive change when it comes to food products. Through varying growing techniques, which in some cases causes major harm to our planet, products are now available all year long. In Lebanon, some continue to preserve, even without the urgent necessity of yesteryears. Farmers can avoid waste by selling off some of their bountiful harvest products. Some people stock up on mouneh to ensure food abundance in times of instability, while others maintain it as an important traditional aspect of our culinary heritage and feel the need to safeguard this family ritual.

 

Wheat: Lebanon used to be able to store four months' worth of wheat reserves, but the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion destroyed the country's primary grain storage silos, removing 120,000 tonnes of storage capacity that has yet to be restored to this day. Lebanon's other major port in Tripoli has no grain storage capacity, leaving the country to fend with only a one month's storage by using warehouses owned by 12 mills.

 

https://www.lebanontraveler.com/en/magazine/lebanon-traveler-marvelous-mouneh/

 

https://www.mei.edu/blog/lebanon-running-out-time-avert-starvation

Handling

 

The specific time frame for handling activities in Lebanon can vary depending on the nature of the activity and various factors such as the sector, scale, and complexity of the task at hand. The time frame for commodity handling, such as repackaging, sorting, and storage, can range from minutes to hours or even days. It depends on factors such as the volume of goods, the complexity of the handling processes, and available resources.

Other

   

 

In Lebanon, miscellaneous commodity handling and storage activities can be affected by seasonal variations. Certain commodities, such as agricultural produce and seasonal goods, experience fluctuations in demand throughout the year. For example, during festive seasons like Christmas and New Year, there is often an increased need for repackaging and parcel production of gifts and holiday-related items. Similarly, specific products like fresh fruits and vegetables may have peak seasons when handling and storage requirements are higher due to increased production and demand. Businesses involved in these activities need to adapt their operations to meet these seasonal demands effectively.

To address the potential challenges posed by seasonal bottlenecks, businesses may opt for pre-stocking strategies. Pre-stocking involves building up inventory in advance to meet anticipated demand during peak seasons. By accumulating and storing supplies ahead of time, businesses can ensure a smooth supply chain, uninterrupted handling, and timely fulfillment of customer requirements. Pre-stocking enables efficient repackaging, parcel production, and storage capacity management to keep up with the surge in demand during busy periods. It helps businesses avoid shortages, delays, and disruptions caused by increased customer demand and limited availability during peak seasons.

Managing seasonal demand also requires proactive measures such as demand forecasting, supplier coordination, and streamlined operations. Businesses can adjust their production schedules and procurement strategies by accurately predicting demand patterns. Coordinating with suppliers and maintaining good relationships with them helps ensure a steady supply of commodities and materials required for handling and storage activities. Streamlining operations, including efficient inventory management and optimized packaging processes, allows businesses to meet customer expectations and avoid bottlenecks during peak seasons.

 

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

 

GOVERNMENT

 

Through agencies and ministries like the Lebanese Civil Defense (LCD), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, and Ministry of Social Affairs, the Lebanese government plays a role in responding to emergencies and coordinating with the humanitarian community. The LCD is primarily responsible for disaster management, providing search and rescue services and emergency assistance. The Ministry of Interior ensures public safety and coordinates with various agencies during emergencies. The Ministry of Public Health focuses on health-related interventions, collaborating with international organizations, and ensuring medical services and resources availability. The Ministry of Social Affairs coordinates assistance to affected populations, especially vulnerable groups, working with the humanitarian community.

 

The effectiveness of the government's response and its level of involvement can vary depending on the specific emergency and various factors. The government may actively engage with humanitarian actors, international organizations, and NGOs to coordinate response efforts, share information, and mobilize resources. However, challenges, such as coordination issues, limited capacity, and resource constraints, can impact the government's ability to fully engage and cooperate effectively with the humanitarian community. It's important to consult reputable sources and official government publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the Lebanese government's capacity and cooperation in responding to emergencies.

 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

 

HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY

 

The humanitarian community in Lebanon consists of various international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and humanitarian actors that provide assistance and support to those affected by crises and emergencies. Here is some information about the humanitarian community in Lebanon:

 

  1. International Organizations: Several international organizations, such as the United Nations agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO, etc.), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are active in Lebanon. These organizations work in partnership with the Lebanese government and local NGOs to provide humanitarian aid, emergency response, and development programs.
  2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Numerous local and international NGOs operate in Lebanon, focusing on various sectors such as healthcare, education, shelter, food security, and livelihoods. These organizations play a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance, implementing projects, and supporting vulnerable communities.
  3. Coordination Mechanisms: The humanitarian community in Lebanon operates within coordination mechanisms to enhance collaboration and ensure an effective response. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), led by the UN Resident Coordinator, brings together key stakeholders to coordinate strategies, resources, and response efforts. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and other coordination forums facilitate cooperation between organizations and promote a coherent humanitarian response.

 

The humanitarian community in Lebanon works closely with the Lebanese government, local authorities, and affected communities to address humanitarian needs, provide essential services, and promote long-term development. Their efforts aim to alleviate suffering, protect vulnerable populations, and support recovery and resilience in the face of crises.

 

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List.

 

Jump to top