Lebanon: Power outages reported in several parts of the country July 27-28

Event

Power outages were reported in several areas of Lebanon on Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28, due to a technical problem on the Electricité du Liban (EDL) network. The electricity supply remains erratic in multiple areas, but EDL has stated that engineers are working to restore the network for a "gradual" return of electricity to all affected regions. EDL previously experienced fuel supply problems for its power plants due to financial difficulties linked to Lebanon's economic crisis, resulting in power outages across the country. These power outages further aggravated communities across the country, many of whom have taken part in recent protests over the ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, amongst other socio-economic issues.

Further outages and associated protests are possible over the near term.

Context

Protests denouncing ongoing economic hardship in Lebanon, the fall in the value of the Lebanese pound, and the rise in the cost of goods have been held regularly in various areas of the country in recent months. The value of the Lebanese pound hit a record low on the black market on June 30, as the government raised the price of bread and announced that soldiers would stop receiving meat in their meals. Supermarkets have been pictured with empty shelves and retailers have closed stores following a rush to purchase goods, such as candles, flour, and yeast, amid rising prices.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible, and to be cautious when driving or crossing streets if traffic signals are not functioning.