More than 5,000 displaced people take refuge in Akkar

Yesterday 19:00

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled their homes in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut following a new wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting several areas earlier this week. Many of those forced to leave their homes have sought refuge in safer regions across the country, particularly in northern Lebanon.

Among the main destinations is Akkar, a region already facing economic and social challenges but now hosting thousands of displaced families escaping the violence.

Local authorities have activated an emergency coordination mechanism to manage the growing humanitarian situation. A crisis management cell, headed by the governor of Akkar, Imad Labaki, has been established to organize the reception and assistance of displaced people. The initiative involves cooperation between several government ministries, including Social Affairs, Education and Interior, as well as the Disaster Risk Management Unit of the Council of Ministers.

Authorities have introduced new procedures to register displaced families and distribute them between official shelters and host communities. Local committees, civil society organizations and institutions have also mobilized to support relief efforts and ensure the delivery of essential supplies.

Humanitarian assistance is being coordinated in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross and several international donor organizations. Volunteers and local groups are working to provide basic needs such as food, bedding and medical assistance.

However, one week after the beginning of the crisis, shortages are beginning to emerge in several areas. Many shelters are struggling to secure sufficient supplies of drinking water, electricity and food, raising concerns about the sustainability of relief operations if the situation continues to worsen.

Despite limited financial resources, municipalities and regional federations are making significant efforts to respond to the emergency. In addition to institutional support, individual initiatives and solidarity from host families are playing a crucial role in helping displaced populations cope with the crisis.

According to data collected by municipal operations centers and representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs, a total of 1,461 displaced families — representing 5,472 individuals — have been registered in Akkar. Of these, 246 families are currently staying in official shelters, while 1,215 families are being hosted by local communities across 65 towns and villages in the region.

Authorities report that the number of displaced people continues to rise, with more than one hundred additional families registered compared with the previous day, highlighting the ongoing pressure on local resources and humanitarian services.