Storm leaves displaced families in Lebanon without shelter as camps and schools reach capacity

Sidon, Lebanon. Displaced families in southern Lebanon described taking refuge in trucks and makeshift roadside camps during a storm on Sunday after finding no space left in shelters.

Sidon shelters reported full

Hussain Murtada said he and his family were camping in the back of a small truck on Sidon’s seafront, using a tarpaulin fastened with string to shield themselves from the rain. An infant sat inside the truck among pillows, blankets and other possessions.
Murtada said he fled the town of Hanawiya, about 12 km (8 miles) from the border with Israel, with his family of seven. He said he asked at schools being used as shelters but they were full, adding that he wanted shelter for himself and his children.

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Displacement figures and shelter capacity

More than 800,000 people, around 15% of Lebanon’s population, have fled their homes since Israel began an offensive in the country after the Lebanese Hezbollah group opened fire at Israel in support of its ally Iran on March 2.
Lebanese authorities estimate about 132,000 displaced people are in collective shelters, while others are staying with relatives, in half-finished buildings or host communities, and many are sleeping in the streets.

Beirut seafront scenes

In Beirut, Mohammad Marie, who fled the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, said he had been sheltering under a tree on the seafront Corniche. He said a plastic sheet that had offered some protection was blown away and that his clothes were soaked.
Marie said he expected the rain could continue for a week and that he had no tent and no money to rent a house, describing his financial situation as very difficult.

How are local authorities and aid groups addressing the shortage of shelter for displaced people during severe weather?