Wednesday, August 12, 2020

By Jessica Adams, Senior Marketing Coordinator

Last week's explosion in Beirut shocked the entire world. It is only now that we are fully realising the extent of the damage across the city. Over 200,000 people are believed to have been displaced, at least 200 killed and 5,000 injured. However these numbers may be significantly higher as a result of the large number of undocumented refugees scattered across the city. 

At least 43 Syrian workers were among the victims of the blast and many refugee families who lived along the industrial neighborhoods near the port have seen their homes destroyed and savings lost. 

Lebanon hosts one of the highest populations of refugees in the world. The country has long been battling civil unrest as a result of the economic crisis. The value of currency in Lebanon has plummeted and unemployment continues to rise not to mention the ongoing brutal coronavirus pandemic. 

The effects of the damage to the port and surrounding area will only increase these strains and the effects will be felt by the local community for a long time to come. There will also be long term consequences for the roughly 1.5 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees who rely on humanitarian aid in the country. 

Refugees in Lebanon are not granted legal status, which means a quarter of the country’s population do not have the opportunity for paid employment, housing, education and health care. 

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing new challenges that are exacerbating an already desperate and painful living situation. Families urgently need medical care, protective equipment and hygiene kits to prevent the spread of disease, shelter now that homes have been destroyed and food to simply survive. Basic necessities have never been needed more important. It is only through the generosity of our donors that many refugees will make it through this challenging time. 

As the anger, unrest and suffering increase across Lebanon, Syria Relief along with our trusted partners on the ground will continue to support both those affected by the explosion and the region's Syrian refugees. 

Our team are on the ground delivering emergency aid where it is needed most to those affected by the Beirut explosion and refugees across the country. Head over to our Facebook for the latest updates.