DanChurchAid
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The needs of people are enormous
By Anna Jonasson, ACT International
"The humanitarian situation is catastrophic. We have almost one million people living as refugees in makeshift buildings, such as churches, parks or schools," she says.
Ms Papazian reports that several trucks carrying provisions, such as food and medicines, have been bombed. "We currently rent 10-15 minibuses in order to minimise the risk of being hit. But it is hard to find drivers willing to risk their lives. It is also difficult to find petrol, which has become enormously expensive," she says.
Israel’s fighter aircraft have hit fuel and oil depots, petrol stations, airfields, motorways, ports and several Lebanese military camps. Minor roads and a large number of bridges have also been hit-all of which has made access to people needing assistance, difficult. Many people are reported to remain amidst the rubble of their bombed towns and villages, unable to make their escape. Most of those who have been affected come from southern Lebanon and from the southern suburbs of Beirut.
"Villages south of the suburbs have also been hit-overpopulated areas that are home to some of the poorer communities, many refugees from Sudan and Iraq and Christians who live on the periphery," she says.
Since many of the people who have been displaced by the conflict have left their homes empty-handed, their needs are enormous. Everything from food to clothes and mattresses is needed. Difficulties with water and sewage are also of concern. And food is starting to run out.
"Since the Lebanese people have experienced war before, people rushed to the shops, as soon as the war broke out, in order to stack up on food," Ms Papazian says.
All the member churches of MECC have opened their schools and other possible buildings for people to find temporary shelter. Soon, Aline Papazian hopes, they will be able to provide psychosocial activities for the children with the support of volunteers. Christian families have opened their homes on a large scale to Shi'a Muslim families made homeless.
"We are grateful for all the help we have received, not least through ACT-Action by Churches Together. However, the needs of the Lebanese people are just now so enormous. It will be very difficult to return to any kind of normal life when so many people have lost their homes. Where will all these refugees go?" asks Ms Papazian, adding: "We hope for a fair solution to these problems. But this is far too high a price for us to pay.
Anna Jonasson is a staff member of Church of Sweden, a member of ACT International. (Translated from Swedish for ACT International by Eva Berglund, also of Church of Sweden).
DanChurchAid is a member of ACT International - a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies.
