The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned of a severe water shortage expected in Lebanon in the coming days, which will exacerbate the ongoing crises in the country. In a statement on Saturday, UNICEF said, "Unless urgent action is taken, more than four million people across Lebanon, mostly children and vulnerable families, may face the risk of severe water shortages or complete disruption of access to safe drinking water in the coming days."
UNICEF added, "Last month, we warned that over 71% of Lebanon's population might not receive water this summer. Since then, this precarious situation has continued, putting essential services, including water, sanitation, power networks, and healthcare, under immense pressure."
The organization noted that vital facilities like hospitals and health centers are being deprived of safe drinking water due to electricity shortages, putting lives at risk. It continued, "If four million people are forced to resort to unsafe and costly sources for water, this will jeopardize health and public hygiene, and Lebanon may witness an increase in waterborne diseases, along with a rise in COVID-19 cases."
The only solution suggested by the organization to avert the water crisis is to ensure the necessary energy supplies to keep water services operational. Since October 2019, Lebanon has been mired in successive political and economic crises, leading to fuel shortages, increased electricity outages, and the Lebanese pound losing over 90% of its value, significantly affecting essential goods such as bread and medicine.
