Dear Editor,
The conditions in Lebanon have reached an alarmingly serious stage and continue to decline with each passing day. Constant bombing has resulted in terrifying nights devoid of sleep which have become the accepted reality for all, including those of us devoted to humanitarian service. The fear is palpable in a city where any area could be targeted in an unexpected attack. An unprecedented displacement crisis is upon us as a result of the current conflict, driving over 1.2 million individuals to seek refuge away from the violence.
The sustained strife has inflicted massive hardship on those who have been uprooted. Numerous individuals have witnessed the loss of their houses and dear ones. They are drained. Countless make the desperate journey for days on end, hitchhiking to what they hope are more secure regions within the nation. Presently, hundreds of thousands are finding themselves huddled in makeshift camps, on the streets or in parks and beaches.
There is an acute need for shelters and primary necessities including bedding, mattresses, pillows, and cleaning supplies. The influx of individuals, newly displaced from their abodes, continues to swell each day. Many are left with no choice but to sleep on the bare floor sans mattresses.
The situation is particularly difficult for vulnerable groups like expecting mothers and infants who are in dire need of specialised care. Here at Concern, we are focused on providing for and assisting as many families as we can. However, there is a severe paucity of necessary amenities to adequately address the escalating overcrowding issue.
The resource scarcity is only predicted to intensify further as the conflict amplifies.
SHERZADA KHAN,
Concern Worldwide,
Lebanon Country Director,
Beirut,
Lebanon.