In the presence of Minister of Information H.E. Mr. Ramzi Jreij, United Nations Development Programme Country Director Mr. Luca Renda, Secretary General of the Higher Council of Defense General Mohamad Kheir, Head of National Council for Scientific Research Remote Sensing Center Dr. Ghaleb Faour, The UNDP Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in collaboration with The National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) of Lebanon launched the “Flood Risk Assessment and Mapping for Lebanon”, on Wednesday 25th of November, at the Grand Serail- Beirut.
UNDP Country Director Mr. Luca Renda stated that “understanding and identifying risks is the most important step towards achieving preventing and mitigation. It is equally important for the development and implementation of appropriate preparedness and effective responses to disasters.”
General Mohamad Kheir said “The main objective of the project is the assess the risks of floods in the watersheds all over Lebanon, and to Develop a comprehensive methodology in determining the risks in order to protect lives, properties, support emergency services and raise awareness among citizens.”
“The announcement of the study and the scientific report is an essential step that we hope it will culminate into a leading role for the various sectors and governmental institutions concerned with this work. " Said Dr. Ghaleb Faour.
The main objective of the proposed subject is to assess the flood risk over Lebanese watersheds and to develop a comprehensive methodology for flood risk mapping in order to protect life and property, support emergency services, promote public awareness, and encourage the development and implementation of long-term, cost-effective and environmentally sound mitigation projects. The deliverables of the project covered the evaluation of damage to the agriculture areas, residential, non-residential structures, and refugees’ tents, roads and Bridges, population, and Vehicles.