Lebanese people who fled bombs face harsh winter as crisis worsens

Concern Worldwide has warned that temperatures can drop to below freezing in the winter months in north Lebanon where some of the over 1.2 million displaced people have fled.  

They warned that there may also be heavy downpours of rain, which have in the past caused flash floods damaging properties and farms.   

The humanitarian organisation said the bleak conditions could make it even more difficult for people to stay warm and for the Lebanese authorities and aid agencies to reach them. 

“Winter can be very harsh in Lebanon and would add to the difficulties people are having right now in the country,” said Chris Connelly, Concern’s Lebanon Programme Director. 

“In recent years fierce snow storms and freezing winds impacted hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees living in tented settlements in Lebanon’s Bekka valley in the midlands region and those living further north where many remain. 

“What we could see over the coming months is snow blanketing the former school buildings where Lebanese people who fled their homes are now living. It is essential we can provide good heating systems and keep people warm. 

“The severe weather in the absence of proper shelter, roofing and warm clothes will add to vulnerabilities in the form of medical complications with children and the elderly prone to catching pneumonia and respiratory diseases.” 

Concern has been renovating and maintaining emergency accommodation buildings to ensure they have insulation, windows, doors and working water and heating systems. 

Its staff, with support from the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR, have been providing families with blankets, mattresses, sleeping mats, hygiene kits (with soap and other cleaning items), kitchen supplies, cash and solar lamps. 

They have also teamed up with local Lebanese organisation Nusaned to provide people forced from their homes in Beirut with warm meals. 

Concern’s teams are providing psychological support to children to help them deal with their trauma. They are also facilitating recreational activities for them, which includes playing games to help take their minds away from their negative experiences. 

“Life is already harsh and in survival mode here in Lebanon,” added Chris Connelly. 

“The winter that awaits us in the coming months will only add another layer to this desperate crisis, so we have to prepare for it. 

“We need more support to ensure we can continue to help as many people as we can.” 

Concern began its work in Lebanon in 2013 in response to a mass influx of refugees from Syria into the country. 

To support Concern’s work, you can visit concern.org.uk. 

For more information or interview requests, please contact Nicole Bayes-Fleming at [email protected] 

NOTE: Concern’s Lebanon Programme Director Chris Connelly is in Lebanon and available for interviews.