Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis intensifies after the Beirut explosion

Lebanon is a fragile state whose political elite has long neglected to protect its people. With the devastating explosion on August 4, 2020 in Beirut, Lebanon’s serious health and humanitarian crises have intensified. The explosion left 190 dead and more than 6,500 injured.

Senior Lebanese officials reportedly knew about the storage of ammonium nitrate in the port of Beirut for 6 years, but did not act.

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Beirut Explosion: Tracing the explosives that tore apart the capital.

showing blatant disregard for public safety. Destruction from the blast has been widespread, with around 40% of Beirut severely damaged, leaving some 300,000 residents with devastated homes.

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Beirut Explosion Impact Assessment and Strategy
Status update n. 1.

According to WHO reports, impacts on health infrastructure include three hospitals that ceased to function, three substantially damaged, 500 equivalents of hospital beds lost and many primary care facilities damaged.

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Lebanon explosion. Update for partners.

Essential food and medical supplies were also affected, including damage to grain silos and the destruction of 17 containers of medical supplies and a shipment of personal protective equipment.

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Beirut Explosion Impact Assessment and Strategy
Status update n. 1.

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who
Lebanon explosion. Update for partners.

Other infrastructure, including roads, businesses, educational facilities and cultural heritage buildings have also been damaged.

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Beirut Explosion Impact Assessment and Strategy
Status update n. 1.

Initial World Bank estimates cost physical damage at US $ 3 · 8–4 · 6 billion and economic losses at $ 2 · 9–3 · 5 billion.

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Rapid needs and damage assessment in Beirut.

The explosion has generated a new humanitarian emergency in Lebanon.