What is happening in Lebanon?
Families across Lebanon are facing a fast-growing humanitarian emergency as conflict escalates across the Middle East. Following military strikes on 28 February, retaliatory violence has spread to several countries, with Lebanon experiencing immediate and devastating consequences.
In just a matter of hours, widespread airstrikes, evacuation orders and rising insecurity have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Entire communities have been uprooted with little or no warning.
Caritas unpacking aid in Lebanon to distribute to vulnerable communities during emergency in the Middle East photo credit Caritas Lebanon
A crisis unfolding in real time
On 2 March, airstrikes struck Baalbek-Hermel, Bekaa, Beirut’s southern suburbs, South Lebanon, Nabatiyeh, Saida and Tyre. At least 52 people were killed, and 154 were wounded in the early hours of the escalation.
Fifty-six villages were ordered to evacuate. Within hours, more than 32,000 people sought safety in 191 activated shelters, many of which are already at or beyond capacity. Projections suggest that as the conflict continues, more than one million mothers, fathers and children may be displaced from their homes.
Families fleeing with nowhere to go
As families attempted to escape from the south, the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel roads quickly became heavily congested. Long traffic delays are slowing down evacuations and making it difficult for emergency responders to reach those in greatest need.
Communities are coming together to support one another in an effort to survive as schools, public buildings, and community centres have been transformed into shelters. Of the 191 shelters that have opened so far, more than 100 are already overflowing with families who have nowhere else to turn. Families in Lebanon need all of the support they can get as they are pushed into truly heartbreaking conditions.
Families line up in their cars as evacuation orders hit in Lebanon photo credit Caritas Lebanon
Communities already facing hardship are pushed even further
Long before this latest escalation, many communities in Lebanon were living with the effects of years of economic crisis and instability. This new wave of violence has made the situation dramatically worse.
Caritas Lebanon shared a stark reflection on the unfolding emergency.
“The humanitarian consequences of this escalation are severe. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, essential services are disrupted, and many communities are cut off from basic assistance. The resulting fear, trauma, and uncertainty have a deep impact across entire communities already strained by years of hardship.”
Caritas Lebanon springs into action, working around the clock
As the crisis escalated, our partners on the ground, Caritas Lebanon, declared a state of emergency and activated its Emergency Response Unit. Teams are now being deployed across the country, working closely with national authorities and volunteer networks.
Their emergency response includes:
1. Operating medical mobile clinics to care for displaced families
2. Distributing mattresses, blankets, pillows and ready-to-eat food
3. Preparing 325 collective shelters to meet the growing demand
Caritas Lebanon is committed to reaching families wherever they are, yet the scale and speed of displacement have created needs that far exceed available resources.
Shelters are overflowing, and resources are running out
Lebanon’s humanitarian system was already weakened by funding cuts before this crisis began. Now, with tens of thousands of people on the move, urgent supplies are being exhausted quickly.
Caritas Lebanon has warned that the number of displaced people could exceed one million. Our partner is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged conflict and urgently calling for support to sustain and scale this life-saving work. Will you help support families in Lebanon?
Caritas aid workers packing bedding to be distributed to the community fleeing crisis, photo credit Caritas Lebanon
Caritas Australia calls for urgent support
Caritas Australia is standing in solidarity with Caritas Lebanon and supporting efforts to reach families in crisis. Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia, shared a sobering update.
“Thousands of families fled with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Our partners at Caritas Lebanon are doing everything they can, but shelters are overflowing and urgent essentials are running out. We need to act now to protect lives.”
As part of one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, Caritas Australia is helping enable vital relief efforts. But with needs growing by the hour, additional support is critical, and we need you to join us today.
How you can help families affected by the Lebanon crisis
Your support can help provide immediate relief to families who have lost everything in a matter of hours. It will support innocent families who are enduring the consequences of a conflict that is out of their control.
Your compassion in action today can help deliver critical support for displaced families, including:
Emergency shelter
Urgent medical care
Food and essential supplies
