Beirut Report 9 0 - DAY PA R T N E R U P DAT E
Lebanon remains at the forefront of one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. On August 4, 2020, two massive explosions that occurred in Beirut’s port resulted in enormous damage to buildings and infrastructure across the capital. As of August 13, the explosions had resulted in the death of 178 individuals, injuring over 6,000 others, and an additional 30 missing. The explosion caused widespread damage, destroying major grain silos, damaging 6 hospitals and 20 health centers. Over 300,000 were temporarily homeless as glass was blown out of all windows in over 6,600 apartment buildings and homes. The explosion has added a new layer to the existing economic crisis in Lebanon, leaving thousands in need of humanitarian assistance. We can confirm that the port explosion has also resulted in unemployment, a devaluation of the Lebanese pound (LBP) by 80%, inflation, loss of purchasing power, and increased food insecurity. The U.N. has confirmed the ongoing crisis, coupled with the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, will lead to even more Lebanese and refugee families falling into extreme poverty. They risk having to employ negative coping mechanisms, such as child labor, child marriage, dropping out of school, exploitation, and abuse. BEIRUT EXPLOSION – 178 deaths – 6,000 injured – 30 missing – 300,000 homeless TEARFUND’S RESPONSE – 1,000 vulnerable households are receiving monthly food assistance.
FOOD INSECURITY – 50% of Beirut citizens did not have enough to eat last month – 1.5 million Syrian refugees are in Lebanon, 75% of these refugees did not have enough food to eat last month – 910,000 people, including 564,000 children, do not have access to basic essentials like food and clean water