Lebanon - Emergency Response to Explosion in Beirut - Canadian Red Cross Society 2020

August 2020 – A massive explosion occurred in Lebanon’s capital Beirut a city of 2.4 million people. The explosion took place in the capital city’s port which is the main point of entry for all Lebanese imports including food and other basic items. Multiple medical facilities including several major hospitals also sustained structural damage and have ceased to be operational. The Government of Lebanon has estimated that more than 300 000 people have lost their homes and 220 people have died. The Lebanese Red Cross is providing emergency medical services and aid distribution in areas most affected by the blast. With GAC’s support the Canadian Red Cross and the Lebanese Red Cross are working to save lives and help reduce the suffering of people affected by the explosion. Project activities include: (1) providing blood transfusion programming including the testing and distributing of blood supply to local health centers; (2) scaling up emergency medical services and ambulatory services; and (3) distributing food hygiene products and household items to vulnerable people.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access and availability of essential blood supply (2) improved delivery of critical health and medical services; and (3) increased access to essential food and non-food items to vulnerable and at-risk populations. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.