With the rainy season approaching, the Youth Association for Social Awareness (YASA) has sounded the alarm over the recurring winter disasters in Lebanon caused by clogged rainwater drainage networks and the absence of preventive maintenance.
In a statement, YASA recalled that in past years, Lebanon witnessed scenes of chaos: cars and citizens trapped in flooded tunnels, roads turning into lakes within hours, dozens of injuries and fatalities from accidents caused by torrents, and millions of dollars in damage to private property and public infrastructure.
The association denounced what it described as “flagrant negligence” by many municipalities and relevant ministries, stressing that “the transformation of Lebanese roads into rivers within a few hours is no longer acceptable.”
Call for Immediate Action
YASA urged authorities to carry out an immediate and comprehensive cleaning of all drainage networks before mid-September to ensure roads are ready before the first rains. It also stressed the need to adopt emergency maintenance plans and continuous monitoring throughout the winter season to avoid further disasters.
Furthermore, the association demanded that the state hold negligent bodies legally and criminally accountable in the event of casualties or health damage resulting from floods and stagnant water in streets and homes.
Shared Responsibility
The appeal was not limited to institutions. YASA also called on citizens to stop dumping waste in the streets, noting that trash blocks water channels and worsens flooding risks.
It further urged the ministries of Interior, Energy and Public Works to take immediate coordinated action to clean rainwater networks, sewage systems and riverbeds, with a daily monitoring mechanism to ensure full implementation.
“Protecting people’s lives is not an option but a national and moral duty,” YASA insisted, warning that every day of delay in addressing this issue could mean more victims and devastated families.
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