ADRA Supplies Aid after Airstrikes Hit Lebanon

Initial assistance response includes delivering hot meals to those displaced.

October 2, 2024 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | ADRA International, and Adventist Review

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Lebanon is delivering humanitarian aid to assist communities affected by the hostilities across the country. Humanitarian intervention has become more urgent after a series of heavy airstrikes across various parts of the country initiated on September 21, regional leaders of the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church reported.

Many towns, villages, and convoys that were evacuating civilians from the area were affected by the airstrikes. According to Lebanon’s foreign minister, the turmoil of the last few weeks in September has left many dead and injured and at least 500,000 citizens internally displaced (IDPs). All schools and universities in the country are closed, with some serving as shelters for those seeking protection. More than 169 collective shelters have been opened across Lebanon.

“ADRA’s country office in Lebanon has been focusing on assisting displaced households impacted by the conflict along the southern border.  Our goal is to give access to a diverse nutritious food supply that contributes to people’s well-being,” Kelly Dowling, emergency response program manager for ADRA International, said.

“The initial response efforts will provide food assistance through hot meals to IDPs in two shelters,” Dowling added. “In the Dekwena area of Mount Lebanon, ADRA is organizing a daily distribution of hot meals for lunch, along with water, vegetables, and fruit. Please continue to pray for Lebanon, those who are hurting, and our ADRA team as we work to relieve the suffering of those enduring terrible loss and hardship.”

ADRA Lebanon also reported that the humanitarian agency is offering breakfast at collective shelters and has formed alliances with local restaurants in Aarsal to provide hot meals, which are being delivered by ADRA field office staff. ADRA is also collaborating with the local government, shelters, and other nonprofit groups to distribute the food.

The agency is working strategically with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lebanon and Middle East University to mobilize a team of volunteers to support aid efforts.

ADRA’s country office in Lebanon has been serving the most vulnerable communities since 2014, supporting refugee children through education, establishing development projects, and deploying humanitarian assistance to respond to ongoing conflicts.

About ADRA 

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving in 118 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended.