Rising cases of COVID-19 is complicating an already difficult situation, according to Yukie Mokuo, head of the UNICEF office in Lebanon. “As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, it is more critical than ever to ensure that children and families whose lives were turned upside down by the explosion have access to safe water and sanitation,” said Yukie Mokuo, UNICEF Lebanon Representative.
An estimated 130 buildings in the affected area of Beirut have been completely disconnected from the main water network and the water systems of more than 500 occupied buildings have been damaged. With many families now lacking a working connection to water mains, the lack of safe drinking water and sanitation is of paramount concern. Additionally, many households in affected neighbourhoods typically purchase water, either bottled or trucked and face challenges accessing water services amid rising summer temperatures.
The situation is particularly distressing for some 300,000 people – including around 100,000 children – whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the blast. In the immediate aftermath of the 4 August explosion, UNICEF along with partners and water authorities assessed the damage to water infrastructure and began responding to pressing needs, supporting repairs where needed.
Making sure communities can wash hands with soap and safe water is also vital to protect against coronavirus. UNICEF also provided water to first respondents, and has distributed more than 4,340 hygiene kits and 620 baby kits to affected families, and ensured water trucking to 20 households and three hubs of the Lebanese Red Cross.
UNICEF is also providing training and resources to equip thousands of young people across Lebanon with the skills they need to help rebuild their country, including training on repairs and maintenance of critical water and sanitation infrastructure.
