Infrastructure damage in southern Lebanon affects returnees: UN

UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said on Friday they are concerned that damage to southern Lebanon's water systems and other infrastructure is affecting the more than 1 million displaced people returning home.

"A preliminary assessment by the South Lebanon Water Establishment found that damage to water systems in South and Nabatieh governorates has disrupted access to safe drinking water for more than 700,000 people," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

It said that damage to reservoirs, pumping stations, boreholes and other facilities is increasing public health risks and affecting agriculture and livelihoods.

OCHA said that more than 821,000 people have returned to their communities, but 360,000 remain displaced, including some 27,000 people living in collective shelters.

The humanitarians said that returning home does not mean people's humanitarian needs have ended. Continued investment in humanitarian assistance and early recovery is essential to restoring basic services, supporting livelihoods, and helping communities recover safely and with dignity. ■