On August 4, a massive explosion shook Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut, causing significant damage and destruction to nearly half the city. The Lebanese Red Cross
was immediately on the ground, assisting with search and rescue, transporting patients in need of urgent medical attention, providing first aid and care to non-critical patients, and supporting people who had been displaced. The impacts of this disaster will be felt for years, and the Red Cross will be there.
The humanitarian needs are great. Lebanon hosts the most refugees per capita, has experienced environmental and economic disaster, political uncertainty, and faced challenges preventing the spread of COVID-19. The blast also caused damage to a healthcare system already stretched thin due to the demands of the pandemic.
Canadians are always generous in times of disasters and emergencies, that is clear yet again in response to the Beirut explosion. Thanks to the individuals, families, businesses, and federal and provincial governments, $10.6 million has been raised to date to help support relief, recovery and humanitarian efforts in Lebanon. So far, the Red Cross has been able to help more than 100,000 people impacted by the explosion.
The needs in Lebanon will continue to emerge in the days, weeks and months ahead. Funds raised are used to help with the most pressing needs as a result of the explosion in Beirut, as well as the other humanitarian crises Lebanon is facing.
You can help through a donation to the
Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal.