Integrated WASH response to enhance safe water access, sanitation and reduce health risks of vulnerable individuals in drought, displacement, and conflict-affected areas of Baalbek, Zahle, Saida, Sour

About this project

ltpgtLebanon is experiencing its worst drought, with reservoirs and aquifers reaching critically low levels and depletion rates between 50 and 85%. As per the 2025 Drought Vulnerability Index (DVI), 232 cadasters in Zahle, Baalbek, Saida and Sour districts classify as highly to very highly vulnerable. The reduction in water availability has intensified reliance on unsafe sources and costly private trucking, used by over 44% of the population nationwide. Hostilities and displacement have further disrupted water service delivery, with WASH infrastructure damaged by conflict and municipalities and Water Establishments (WEs) struggling to operate amid insecurity and resource shortages. The drought has also heightened risks of waterborne disease (WBD), particularly in overcrowded settlements with limited/non-functional WASH facilities. As per WASH Sector 2025 WBD Risk Map, as water flow decreases, pathogen concentration rises and failing sewage systems increase contamination risks. In Zahle, Baalbek, Saida and Sour districts, 41 cadasters are highly prone to WBD. Damaged infrastructure and deteriorating water quality, coupled with weak wastewater management, increased the likelihood of cholera and hepatitis A outbreaks. Health risks are further compounded by growing malnutrition, as water scarcity, power shortages and declining groundwater levels undermine agricultural productivity and food security. The drought also became a major driver of social tensions. Competition for scarc…

Published by

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs · National NGO

Countries

Lebanon

Sectors

Multisector aid

Funded by

Lebanon Humanitarian Fund

Implemented by

INTERSOS

Accountable

INTERSOS

Published by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 31 Dec 2025 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: XM-OCHA-CBPF-CBPF-LEB-25-S-INGO-37783.

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