Drought is hitting Lebanon's largest lake, Lake Qaraoun, and heralds an imminent environmental and agricultural disaster.

Arab Weather - Lake Qaraoun, Lebanon's largest artificial water reservoir, has witnessed a sharp decline in water levels in recent months, leading to a series of negative repercussions that threaten environmental, food, and energy security in the Western Bekaa region.

Radical environmental transformations threaten the ecosystem

The sharp drop in water levels has led to a shrinkage of the lake's surface, with vast areas becoming exposed and dry, while water remains in limited and scattered areas. These environmental changes have negatively impacted aquatic plants, particularly grasses, which constitute the main food source for livestock and grazing in the region, placing increasing pressure on agricultural communities.

A complex water crisis between scarcity and pollution

According to statements by Sami Alawieh, Director General of the Litani River Authority, the water scarcity problem in Lake Qaraoun cannot be separated from the worsening water pollution phenomenon in Lebanon. This overlap between water scarcity and pollution further complicates the crisis, exacerbates health and environmental problems, and increases the frequency of conflicts over water resources between residents and farmers.

The agricultural sector has been affected by water shortages and crop damage.

Farmers used to rely primarily on lake water to irrigate their crops, but the continued water scarcity has forced them to turn to alternative sources such as well water, which does not fully cover their needs. This has led to widespread damage to essential rainfed crops, such as wheat, lentils, chickpeas, and barley, due to low rainfall and water scarcity.

Early drought and damage to 20% of irrigated lands

Water levels have dropped three months earlier than usual, damaging approximately 20% of irrigated agricultural land in the West Bekaa, according to Ibrahim Tarshishi, head of the Bekaa Farmers Association. He noted that rainfed crops have suffered extensive damage, threatening the stability of agricultural production and food security in the region.

Hydropower production disruptions increase pressure on the electricity sector.

In addition to the environmental and agricultural impacts, the declining water level has also affected hydropower production, as Lebanon relies on Lake Qaraoun to operate the Abdul Alam power plant. The plant's shutdown due to water shortages has exacerbated the country's years-long electricity crisis and burdened the national economy.