BACKGROUND

Lebanon is a small country located on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a highly urbanized middle-income country in the Levant region. It is split into four agroecological regions; two parallel mountain ranges separated by the Bekaa Valley and a narrow coastal plain that is home to 90 per cent of the country’s population. The mountainous terrain creates a multitude of microclimates. Generally, Lebanon has a Mediterranean-style climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. In elevated areas, temperatures often drop below freezing and winters can bring heavy snowfall.

Lebanon is prone to a multitude of natural hazards including wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, and winter storms. Severe flash floods can impact the northeast region of Lebanon due to its semi-arid climate and large catchment areas. Persistent deforestation, waste dumping, and waste burning issues have resulted in wildfires in the north of the country.

Climatic changes are expected to have diverse implications on Lebanon’s environment, economy, and social structure. Man-made hazards also impact the safety of communities, for example, conflict scenarios take place regularly in different areas within Lebanon and are a consideration in anticipatory action mechanisms in the country. Recently the COVID-19 pandemic and the debilitating economic situation pose challenges to public health, safety, and security issues and increases vulnerability to climate hazards for many people. 

For a data-driven overview of Lebanon's risk profile, refer to the INFORM Risk Index. 

HAZARDS COVERED BY ANTICIPATION    

Flood