BEIRUT - Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi said on Tuesday the country is facing an "unprecedented water shortage," pledging additional measures to address the crisis.

Speaking at a press conference, Saddi said this year's rainfall is 51 percent below the average, which ranges between 700 and 1,000 millimeters, and the scant snowfall has also negatively affected groundwater reserves.

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To address the water shortage, the ministry has drawn up an emergency plan, focusing on cracking down on violations, speeding up maintenance, deploying additional repair teams, ensuring fair water distribution, and reactivating unused wells.

Regarding the four unfinished dams that were intended to increase Lebanon's water storage capacity, he said he has sought the assistance of a committee of international experts to identify the most suitable technical solutions.