More than 11,000 buildings have been destroyed across southern Lebanon, with direct damage to buildings estimated at more than $1.38 billion, according to a new rapid assessment released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday.
The assessment, conducted in coordination with Lebanon's National Council for Scientific Research, covered areas south of the Litani River, including the districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, Nabatiyeh, Tyre and Sidon.
According to the report, 11,095 buildings were destroyed, affecting nearly 18,000 housing units. A further 2,242 buildings sustained partial damage, while more than 9,300 suffered minor damage. The estimated volume of debris generated by the destruction stands at around 3.1 million cubic metres.
The heaviest destruction was recorded in border areas that witnessed intense fighting during the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The towns of Aitaroun and Bint Jbeil in the Bint Jbeil district, as well as Meiss el-Jabal and Taybeh in the Marjayoun district, were among the hardest-hit locations.
The assessment was carried out using high-resolution satellite imagery and artificial intelligence-based analysis. Images taken on April 29 were compared with baseline imagery from October 2025 to identify visible conflict-related damage, including collapsed roofs, structural deformation and debris accumulation.
The UNDP said the findings were validated through a building-by-building visual review process and achieved an estimated accuracy rate of around 85%.
The figures covered damage to residential and other buildings but did not include underground structures or critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity networks, water facilities and telecommunications systems.
The assessment also reflected conditions as of late April and did not account for reconstruction or recovery work that might have taken place since then.
Large parts of southern Lebanon suffered extensive destruction during months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
The continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has complicated negotiations between the United States and Iran. A bilateral framework agreement between Washington and Tehran calls for a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
International organizations and Lebanese authorities have repeatedly warned that reconstruction costs are expected to run into several billions of dollars and that many residents remain unable to return to heavily damaged communities near the border.
