Beirut's Disaster Risk Reduction Unit has set up 108 shelters, providing refuge for over 40,000 people displaced as Israel intensifies its offensive against Lebanon, according to a Lebanese lieutenant.
Established three months ago under the leadership of Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, the unit is tasked with managing the growing humanitarian crisis.
Lieutenant Fadi Elbaghdadi, who oversees the operation, reported that more than 40,100 individuals have settled in temporary accommodations in schools and other government buildings. The department is actively working to assess the needs and numbers of those seeking shelter. The 65-member team operates around the clock, fielding calls for help and updating statistics in real-time.
"Our unit consists of Red Cross volunteers, security personnel, and firefighters, alongside non-governmental organizations that are partnering with us to provide essentials for those displaced. They've left their homes and villages. They've left everything behind. They arrive here with nothing," he said.
Elbaghdadi noted that many displaced individuals choose to flee to Beirut after their residences are targeted. With the influx of people seeking refuge, the capacity of shelters in Beirut is becoming increasingly strained.
"When our accommodation capacity is exhausted, we will direct individuals to other cities outside of Beirut. They will head north to different provinces. As soon as we establish new shelters, we will welcome more people. Currently, many are living on the streets or in parks. We are doing our best to rehouse them," he explained.
Lebanon's capital sets up shelters to house displaced amid ongoing violence
Lebanon's capital sets up shelters to house displaced amid ongoing violence
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
