The IRC emergency unit has launched an immediate response in Lebanon. The IRC will provide immediate cash and economic assistance to those impacted and displaced by the explosion in Beirut. The explosion - which killed 137 people and wounded 5,000 as of August 6th - has left an additional 300,000 people displaced. This devastation comes on top of an already looming threat of economic collapse, and threat of increasing scarcity of food connected to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The warehouse explosion at the Port of Beirut on August 6, 2020 comes on top of an already looming threat of economic collapse, and threat of increasing scarcity of food connected to the COVID-19 outbreak. 1.5 million Syrians have fled to Lebanon since the onset of the Syrian war in 2011. The IRC provides emergency and long-term services for Syrians and struggling Lebanese communities.
The IRC will provide immediate cash and economic assistance to those impacted and displaced by the explosion in Beirut.
We are launching a response to provide cash to those impacted to help them get back on their feet and begin to rebuild. In addition to the catastrophic events of recent days, the Lebanese people have been faced with an economic collapse and increasing scarcity of food, as the country confronts a global pandemic. The IRC's support will help them meet their immediate needs in the aftermath of this terrible incident.