Thousands of people have been forced to flee since the Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon intensified. The situation is described as critical and refugees have had to seek shelter in the streets of Beirut.
– There are a lot of people who have died and been injured. The Red Cross has activated its ambulance operations and blood operations. What is most tangible is the enormous refugee crisis from southern Lebanon, says Andreas Sandin, country manager for the Swedish Red Cross in Lebanon.
Red Cross chief: Beirut airport is overcrowded
In addition to having activated their ambulance operations and blood bank, they help people in need to have their basic needs met.
– Part of it is about helping all the refugees who are around the whole country with basic needs such as water, food and hygiene items.
The refugee movements that are now taking place in the country are constantly changing and are described by Sandin as complex.
– People made their way to all of Lebanon, both up in the mountains and in northern Lebanon. The flights that depart from the international airport in Beirut are overcrowded with people who want to leave the country.
Huge need for mattresses
He describes how the refugee situation has overwhelmed everyone in Lebanon and how the gap between what is available and the needs is large. Among other things, the Red Cross testifies to the lack of mattresses.
– There are not enough mattresses in the country. The Red Cross is now working on procurement internationally, to have our international warehouses in Lebanon to help as many as we can, says Andreas Sandin.
The Red Cross’s work is described as challenging, partly because it is difficult to meet the needs that exist, but also for those who work within the organization.
– Security is a challenge for all the thousands of Red Cross volunteers who help out in the refugee camps, those who drive ambulances. The safety of our volunteers is an absolute priority, says Sandin.
Syrian refugees are trying to get back
In addition to people trying to leave the country via the airport, problems have arisen near the border with Syria, where many people who fled Syria are now trying to return to get away from Lebanon.
– There are close to two million Syrians in Lebanon as well. The flows from Lebanon to Syria are also intense. The situation at the border with Syria is also very chaotic, says Sandin.
The organization has worked in Lebanon for a long time, a country that Sandin describes as complex as it is divided into different groups. At the same time, the Red Cross has managed to maintain its neutrality and independence, which allows it to carry out its work everywhere.
– All this means that you can respond to what happens effectively. Preparedness saves lives, says Sandin.