On Tuesday, August 4, two massive explosions rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, killing over 150 people – including on Australian – and injuring more than 4,000, per CBS News. They took place in the city’s port area, causing major damage, with video footage from the city making its way onto social media showing wounded residents staggering through the streets taking cover.
Now, a city that has been dealing with the effects of the ongoing pandemic and a worsening economic crisis, needs help from not only other areas of the Middle East but the rest of the world.
Below, everything you need to know about the Beirut explosion and how you can help victims.
What Happened?
On Tuesday, a powerful explosion originating from a port in the capital sent a shockwave through the city, damaging building up to 10kms away. Initial reports said the blast came from a major fire at a firecracker warehouse near the port, but Prime Minister Hassan Diab said 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate, which is typically used as an agricultural fertiliser, had been stored for six years at a warehouse in the port without safety measures, “endangering the safety of citizens,” according to CNN.
Many of the city’s residents have been left homeless, with the New York Times reporting up to 300,000 people had been displaced. The Times also points out that with an untold number of people still missing, officials expect that the reported death toll to rise.
In addition to death tolls and injuries from the destruction, residents are facing the possible dangers of being exposed to ammonium nitrate. According to BBC, when ammonium nitrate explodes, it can release toxic gases including nitrogen oxides and ammonia gas.
Where To Donate
Lebanese Red Cross
The Lebanese Red Cross has asked people to donate directly to them as opposed to unauthorised third parties fundraising on their behalf. The organisation currently has 3000 emergency medical technicians and 300+ ambulances in the capital. Donate here.
Impact Lebanon
The non-profit organisation has set up a JustGiving page crowdfunding for disaster relief to support first responders and people who have been affected by the explosion in Beirut. Impact Lebanon says it will also coordinate with non-governmental organisations that require aid in the aftermath of the explosion. Donate here.
Love Love Beirut
Live Love Beirut has pooled funds to help support NGOs on the ground in Beirut. Its crisis relief fund supports charities that are working to treat people affected by the disaster, find people who are still missing and rebuild the city and people’s lives. Donate here.
Beit el Baraka
Beit el Baraka is a Beirut-based non-profit that helps families and elderly people in Lebanon who are struggling with the cost of living. In light of the explosion, the organisation said it is going to help fix the homes of families that were damaged. Donate here.
Save The Children
For over six decades, Save The Children has been working with children and young people in Lebanon. Following the explosion, the organisation has put out an appeal stating that support will be essential over the coming weeks and months as hospitals try to meet the demands of those affected. They’ve committed to providing medical care and physical and emotional protection for the most vulnerable. Donate here.
Help Locate Victims
Following the explosion, an Instagram account dedicated to finding the victims was created. The account owners have been posting photos of likely victims of the explosion who have been separated from their friends and family, encouraging everyone to share the post to help them reunite.
