The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Lebanon is stepping up its response to the explosion that ripped through the capital in August by providing cash assistance for up to 50,000 people (10,000 families).
The initiative aims to help affected households to meet basic needs such as food and healthcare.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Najat Rochdi expressed her heartfelt condolences and best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Ms. Rochdi reiterated the UN Secretary General’s commitment to supporting Lebanon at this difficult time and is actively assisting in the response to this incident.
A plane carrying 20 tonnes of WHO health supplies has landed in Beirut, Lebanon, to support the treatment of patients injured by the massive blast that occurred in the city on 4 August.
The supplies will cover 1000 trauma interventions and 1000 surgical interventions for people suffering from injuries and burns resulting from the blast.
Hit by a cataclysmic blast and daily spikes in COVID-19 cases, Lebanon is crippled by the impact of multiple shocks which have exhausted its economy and caused an unprecedented increase in its headcount poverty rate.
Estimates reveal that more than 55% of the country’s population is now trapped in poverty and struggling for bare necessities, i.e., almost double last year’s rate which was 28%.
In response to the horrific explosion that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on 4 August 2020, the United Nations Population Fund, Arab States Regional Director, Dr. Luay Shabaneh, and all staff express solidarity with the people of Lebanon and all who were impacted by this disaster.
Latest reports indicate at least 160 fatalities and around 6,000 wounded, with 21 still missing.
This figure is likely to rise as rescuers continue to search the port and surrounding areas for survivors.
The UN and humanitarian partners have launched a US$565 million appeal to help the people of Lebanon move from immediate life-saving humanitarian relief towards recovery and eventually longer-term economic recovery, following the Beirut Port explosions.
The Beirut Port explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020, caused widespread damage and casualties.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States - Beirut, Dr. Hamed Al Hamami, met with the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Tarek Majzoub, in presence of Director-General Mr Fadi Yarak, to explore the needs of the education sector and discuss UNESCO’s response.
No cases of coronavirus have yet been reported in Lebanon. However, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) remains very vigilant for early detection of any case, as per the requirements of the International Health regulations.
The WHO Lebanon Office supports and works closely with the MOPH to increase preparedness and response measures (efforts) and to monitor the rapidly evolving situation to minimize the risk of Coronavirus importation into the country.
