Hospitals and doctors were already reporting shortages of vital medical supplies and PPE before the explosion. They are now under even greater strain. Photo credit: Caritas Lebanon
Although CAFOD's Beirut Emergency Appeal is now closed, we continue to respond to similar emergencies around the world.
The explosions in Beirut in 2020 left hundreds of families with nothing.
Local organisations and volunteers were responding on the frontlines, assisting in hospitals and helping the injured.
What were the most urgent needs in Beirut?
This disaster came on top of the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis. It threatened to push many who were already suffering further into poverty and hunger.
Over 6,500 people were injured in the explosions and approximately 100,000 children saw their homes either completely or partially destroyed. The loss of homes often results in overcrowded households and communities, thus raising other risks such as Covid-19 transmission.
How did CAFOD respond to the Beirut explosions?
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the local experts you support have been providing food, shelter, water and medical supplies to thousands of refugees in Lebanon and their host communities.
These outreach workers and volunteers were already on the ground in Beirut and provided practical help in some of the worst-hit areas.
With your help, we were able to reach families affected by the explosion with:
medical kits
emergency food
hygiene packs
help to find shelter.
Join us today with a monthly donation
Helping in emergencies needs all of us. Before, during and after a crisis, our local experts are working in their own communities to help families prepare, survive and rebuild.
With more emergencies than ever, there has never been a greater need for us to put our faith into action, together.
Please join us today with a monthly donation to our emergency response work. You can also sign up to receive prayer texts for when there is an emergency.