Deepening crisis in Lebanon drives mass displacement: Dorcas responds immediately

Nearly two weeks after the escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the situation in Lebanon has become extremely dire. The sharp rise in bombardments since 2 March 2026 has caused widespread displacement and severe humanitarian consequences. 

Ongoing mass displacement 

On March 13, ReliefWeb reported that one in seven people in Lebanon are now displaced, equating to over 800,000 people. Local sources have informed Dorcas that local authorities already estimate the number of displaced people to be over a million. These figures are expected to rise as continued airstrikes cause widespread chaos and insecurity. 

Large numbers of people continue to sleep in public spaces and along the coast, having fled with few belongings and with no access to safe housing. Shelters are under immense pressure and are severely overstretched, with essential supplies depleting rapidly. 

The situation is highly critical. Women, children, older people and people with disabilities face heightened risks due to overcrowding, psychological distress and restricted access to services. Without continued, urgent assistance, families will face worsening food insecurity, harsher living conditions and an increased risk to their safety. 

Dorcas offering immediate support 

From the very beginning of the escalation, Dorcas has been supporting those in need. Our aim is to contribute to the immediate protection of the growing number of people affected. We do this by ensuring timely access to life-saving food assistance, emergency shelter, essential non-food items and integrated protection support. Our support includes: 

• Hot meals distribution. Dorcas is organising a community kitchen in Mount Lebanon. In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the kitchen will distribute hot meals daily to 2,500 people. Dorcas also monitors the distribution of hot meals prepared by WFP partners that are delivered to collective shelters. This programme currently operates in 80 shelters across Beirut and Mount Lebanon. 

• Sandwich distribution. In partnership with our long-term partner Mary’s Meals, we provide over 500 sandwiches daily at several shelters and community centres. 

• Essential non-food items. We are improving the basic living conditions in shelters by providing blankets, mattresses, clothing and hygiene items. 

• Protection services. Dorcas is reducing protection risks for displaced families by providing psychological first aid, case management, group psychosocial support sessions, recreational activities for children and protection awareness sessions in multiple shelters. This involves providing emotional support, identifying at-risk people and referring them to the appropriate services, and sharing information on safety, child protection and available services. 

‘We left with only the clothes we were wearing’ 

Zeinab (68) fled her home with her son and grandchildren and is now living in a temporary shelter for displaced families. In total, eight members of her family share a small space inside the school. ‘We left our home quickly. There was no time to pack anything,’ she explains. 

The journey to the shelter took more than 24 hours. Roads were heavily congested with families fleeing at the same time, turning what should have been a short trip into a long and stressful ordeal. 

‘I was worried the entire time,’ Zeinab says. ‘Not for myself, but for my grandchildren. I tried to stay calm so they wouldn’t feel how scared I was. As a grandmother, I try to stay strong for them. But it is not easy when everything in our lives has changed so suddenly.’ 

On arrival, the family received basic mattresses and blankets to help them settle in. While grateful for the support, daily life in the shelter remains difficult. Like many displaced families, Zeinab and her relatives now rely on humanitarian assistance and community support to cope with each day, while hoping for stability and the chance to return home. 

16 March 2026