Beirut explosions: two years on

On the evening of Tuesday 4 August 2020, two explosions at the port of Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut sent an enormous shockwave across the city killing over 200 people and leaving more than 6,000 injured.  

Yet, thanks to your donations totalling more than £90,000, we’ve supported local Caritas partners to provide life-saving relief and supplies to more than 70,000 people. 

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, SCIAF worked with Caritas Lebanon to assist 36,628 of the most vulnerable individuals and families, providing: 

• Hygiene supplies 
• Hot meals and food kits 
• Medical assistance and first aid treatment 
• Nursing, mental health and psychosocial support 

Together, we are continuing to support people to rebuild their lives in the longer term, including over 34,700 vulnerable people, such as migrants and refugees. Projects are working to improve community access to healthcare and education, supporting local businesses to restart, and ensuring the safety of survivors of gender-based violence.  

What has happened since the explosions?  

Despite emergency responses in the country, the situation in Lebanon remains challenging.  

In addition to the devastating losses of the Beirut blast and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lebanon is in the midst of a major economic collapse, grappling with hyperinflation and shortages of basic items, including medical supplies, food, energy and water. 

What is life like for people in Lebanon? 

The situation is critical as more people are sliding into extreme poverty and hunger. 

According to the World Bank, the economic and financial crisis is ranked as possibly one of the top three most severe crises globally, with an estimated 50 per cent of the population now living below the poverty line.   

Competition over scarce resources, access to employment opportunities and basic services has contributed to an increase in social tensions with many fearful of a return to civil war.  

Emergency Response Fund 

Through the Caritas International network, we are able to respond to humanitarian emergencies like this one around the world, meeting the needs of people and communities in the immediate aftermath of disasters, and remaining with them for the long term.  

When emergencies strike, it’s the poorest people who suffer most. Donate to our Emergency Response Fund today.

Thank you for putting your faith into action.