A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assessment, conducted in collaboration with Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research and other partners, estimates the destruction in Lebanon has reached $365 million. The assessment also found that the damage generated nearly 649,000 cubic metres of debris.
These findings emerge amidst growing concerns over the escalating death toll and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Reports indicate that Israeli air strikes targeted the southern coastal city of Tyre, resulting in the deaths of eight people. The Israeli military has reportedly issued new evacuation orders, including for the city’s Christian quarter for the first time.
Guterres Expresses Deep Alarm
The latest developments have prompted renewed calls for restraint from the UN Secretary-General. In a statement released on Monday, António Guterres’ Spokesperson conveyed that the UN chief is “deeply alarmed by the renewed escalation in the Middle East” and urged all parties to “immediately stop attacks, exercise maximum restraint, and refrain from any action that could further inflame an already volatile situation.”
Damage Assessment Details
The damage assessment utilized satellite imagery, artificial intelligence analysis, and field verification to provide a comprehensive overview of the destruction in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The report revealed that 146 buildings were completely destroyed and an additional 264 sustained partial damage. At the housing level, 3,168 units were destroyed, with a further 4,437 units damaged.
Significant destruction was observed in Beirut’s southern suburbs and adjacent areas of Mount Lebanon, including Haret Hreik, Hadath, Chiyah, Burj el Barajneh, Laylaki, and Choueifat-Amroussieh. The UNDP stated that these findings will assist national authorities and partners in prioritizing recovery and reconstruction initiatives and supporting affected communities in their return to normal life.
Impact Beyond Infrastructure
The consequences of the conflict extend beyond physical infrastructure. According to UNESCO, approximately 500,000 children have been unable to attend school, and over one million learners have experienced disruptions to their education. Seventeen schools have been destroyed, and more than 100 have been damaged.
UNESCO also reported damage to cultural heritage sites, including the World Heritage site of Tyre. Additionally, journalists have been killed, displaced, and cut off from information sources, raising concerns about misinformation and hate speech.
Worsening Humanitarian Needs
The damage assessment coincides with warnings from UN agencies and partners about deteriorating conditions, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in April. Since the escalation began on March 2, over one million displaced people have been registered through Lebanon’s government relief platform. More than 134,000 internally displaced individuals remain in collective shelters, with 642 emergency shelters currently operational.
Humanitarian partners report increasing insecurity, repeated displacements, and growing housing instability, leading to overcrowded, unsafe, or non-existent living arrangements for many households. Children are disproportionately affected, with humanitarian agencies noting rising levels of fear, anxiety, and emotional distress linked to ongoing insecurity.
Syrian refugees and other non-Lebanese communities are also vulnerable, facing increased protection risks and challenges in accessing safe shelter.
Strained Health System
The conflict continues to place immense pressure on Lebanon’s already fragile health system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and health sector partners, attacks on healthcare facilities have persisted despite the ceasefire. Since March 2, 196 attacks affecting health services have been recorded, resulting in 131 deaths and 379 injuries. Approximately 50 attacks have impacted health workers, facilities, and patients since mid-April, further diminishing the capacity of the strained health system.
