How to Help People in Beirut After the Deadly Explosion
As the search for survivors of yesterday’s explosion in Beirut continues, we now know that more than 100 people have died and thousands have been injured. According to the New York Times, the explosion occurred near the port of the Lebanese capital, although it could be felt more than 150 miles from Cyprus.
The explosion appears to have been caused by the detonation of more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate – a chemical used in everything from bombs to fertilizers – that was stored in a warehouse near the port. By comparison, two tons of the chemical hit a bomb used to detonate a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, killing 168 people. (Read this explanation from Al Jazeera to learn more about ammonium nitrate.)
Beirut is in a state of emergency after an explosion left some 300,000 people from their homes. All of this is happening at a time when Lebanon is in the midst of an economic crisis, political unrest and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Given the pressure on hospitals and emergency services, relief organizations may need some assistance. Here’s where to donate if you want to help:
Lebanese Red Cross
The Lebanese Red Cross has actively solicited donations through its social media channels. Some potential donors have indicated that they cannot donate without creating an account. Use this link as a way to donate as a guest. In addition, the LRC warns those wishing to contribute to the organization against doing so through a third-party fundraising site:
Lebanese Impact
A group called Impact Lebanon is coordinating with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to raise funds to help victims of the blast. This is a crowdfunding campaign through the JustGiving website .
Lebanese Food Bank
The main website of the Lebanese Food Bank is currently down, but if you go directly to the donation page , you can contribute.
Doctors Without Borders
In the aftermath of the blast, several members of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) sought help from local medical facilities. According to a Twitter post, “MSF is distributing wound kits to see if patients needing further surgery can be treated at one of our hospitals and find additional ways to help.” You can donate to the organization here.
Joint Relief and Development Mission
The fundraiser, organized through the United Mission for Relief & Development, is specifically aimed at raising funds for first aid kits that are currently needed in Beirut hospitals. Visit their crowdfunding page to donate .
Save the children
Save the Children has already launched an active fundraising campaign to help Lebanese people, and now they need it even more than ever before. Here’s how to donate .
Relief International
Relief International will continue to provide “cash aid, health care, education, economic opportunity and other livelihoods to communities in Lebanon” after the blast, according to the organization. Here’s how to donate.
CARE
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, CARE provides: psychosocial support and psychosocial first aid with a focus on PTSD management and gender-based violence prevention; financial assistance to people in need of shelter; and emergency sanitation items for Beirut residents. Donations can be made here .
Project HOPE
The HOPE Project Emergency Response Team is working to help coordinate the delivery of urgently needed medical supplies, protective equipment, and other assistance and support that may be required. Make a donation to support their work here .
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps staff are working with local authorities to assess the level of needs and next steps in Beirut, including the delivery of medicines and supplies to overcrowded hospitals. The organization has been providing services in Lebanon since 2006. To donate, visit the dedicated page on their website .
Amel International Association
This non-denominational, non-political Lebanese non-profit organization has been in existence for 40 years and currently provides medical and psychological services to the people of Beirut. You can donate directly to their post-explosion relief work here .
Donate blood
If you are currently in Beirut, you may be considering donating blood. Lebanese NGO Donner Sang Computer (which promotes blood donation) tweeted this morning that they have enough blood – for now. Blood banks currently have blood supplies, but this could change in a matter of days or hours. In the meantime, you can register to donate blood or make a cash contribution to the organization.
Those who would prefer to donate blood through the Lebanese Red Cross can find out more information here .
This post has been edited to include additional organizations and resources.