Lebanon at Risk of Severe Water Shortages This Summer, Official Warns

Lebanon is on the brink of a major water crisis this summer if the current lack of rainfall and snowfall continues, warned Engineer Jean Gebran, the Director-General of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Authority.

In an interview with Voice of Lebanon, Gebran expressed concern that Lebanon’s water sector, already under strain, is likely to face severe shortages if the dry conditions persist. He emphasized that the absence of key water sources will significantly impact the country’s water supply, especially with the summer months approaching.

Without sufficient rainfall and snowfall, Gebran cautioned, Lebanon could face a major water shortage, affecting both domestic consumption and agriculture.

To address this, Gebran explained that efforts are underway to revive underground wells in the higher mountainous regions. However, he noted that this process requires substantial financial investment and will lead to increased fuel consumption, further straining Lebanon’s limited resources.

"This is a critical situation," Gebran said. "Lebanon is facing its worst water crisis due to the lack of rainfall and snowfall. Immediate action is needed to prevent things from getting worse."

He stressed that ensuring Lebanon’s water resources is the responsibility of the entire government, calling for coordinated efforts to address the issue before it escalates into a full-scale crisis. With water scarcity already a significant concern, Lebanon must prepare for the possibility of severe shortages if the weather does not improve in the coming months.