On Tuesday August 4, a massive explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut brought the city to a grinding halt. The blast injured over 5,000 people and has left more than 300,000 people without a home.
Hospitals and health centres that were already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic are now under extreme pressure. Shortages of medical supplies have already been reported. Many health facilities were damaged by the explosion. The explosion took place while Lebanon is going through its worst economic crisis in recent history. It is also hosting the greatest concentration of refugees per capita in the world.
Concern is responding
Our main priority is to shelter the city’s poorest communities whose homes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Our team in Lebanon has years of experience in upgrading sub-standard shelters. It is vital that we move quickly before the wet, cold weather arrives in the coming months. Concern will also provide psycho-social support to individuals, including counselling support. In a country which has suffered a 15-year war up to 1990, explosions trigger trauma and supporting people’s mental health is a vital part of our response.
You can help
In the wake of the explosion, videos and images shocked and upset people all around the world. You can help the people who have been left in urgent need by donating today.