News

The Disaster and Crisis Risk Management Cell of Sidon Municipality held an expanded coordination meeting at the Turkish Hospital, attended by Mayor Mustafa Hijazi, several members of the Municipal Council, the cell director and her team, as well as representatives from a number of NGOs and humanitarian organizations active in the city. The meeting aimed to strengthen joint efforts to address current challenges and develop crisis response mechanisms.

Representatives from the following organizations were present: Maarouf Saad Cultural, Social, and Charitable Association; Islamic Welfare Association; Dar Al-Ra'aya Al-Yateem Association; Sidon NGO Network; Dr. Nazih Al-Bizri Charitable Foundation; Ahluna Association; Jami' Al-Bahr Charitable Association; Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development; Development and Cooperation Association; Al-Najda Al-Sha'biya Association; Rajab Al-Jubaili Company; Sidon Merchants Association; and the Lebanese Red Cross.

Discussions focused on transitioning from emergency response and immediate aid to building more sustainable support mechanisms. Key topics addressed included:

• Food security and central kitchens: Organizing the use of raw materials and managing available resources to ensure the continuity of meal provision and efficiently expand the number of beneficiaries.

• Evacuation and Emergency Plans: Evacuation plans must be prepared and updated for shelters and facilities run by associations to ensure readiness in the event of any security threat or potential danger.

• Logistical Equipment in Shelters: The installation of water heaters must be completed to meet the basic needs of residents.

• Health Infrastructure: A workshop should be launched to maintain bathrooms and rehabilitate sanitary facilities within shelters to ensure public safety and improve living conditions.

The attendees emphasized that the integration of roles between the Municipality of Sidon and NGOs is a fundamental pillar for protecting the city, its residents, and those arriving there. They stressed that the current phase requires a shift from immediate responses to building a sustainable coordination and response system capable of withstanding and continuing even under the most difficult circumstances.