Water shortages threaten the people in Beirut

Following the blast on the 4th of August, 300,000 people are

experiencing severe water and sanitation shortages in Beirut, as a result of damaged infrastructure. Although the current water infrastructure in Beirut was not destroyed and only experienced minor damage, a vast amount of water tanks and plumbing systems that were located near the blast have been damaged. Moreover, 130 buildings have been disconnected from the main water network, according to UNICEF, resulting in further water shortages for families and children.The threat of a lack of access to clean water and sanitation is severe, especially given that the global pandemic is sweeping across the world, access to these basic services is even more crucial than ever to reduce

transmissions. Furthermore, following the blast, the risk of contracting

waterborne diseases can quickly rise, further threatening the lives of families and children in Beirut.

In response to this, UNICEF has been working with its partners to deliver clean water and sanitation by installing 570 new water tanks and distributing 4,340 hygiene kits, amongst other things. Nevertheless, more must be done to ensure the people of Beirut have access to clean water and sanitation.