Convoy of Hope Responds to Explosion in Lebanon
October 2, 2020 | 9:15 a.m.
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Our partners and teams of volunteers tirelessly continue to provide relief to those affected by the blast. Below is what we’ve accomplished with our partners so far.
Response by the Numbers
| Meals Distributed | 34,052 |
| Homes Rehabilitated | 43 |
| Hygiene Kits Distributed | 388149 |
| Families Served | 8,981 |
| Individuals Served | 35,901 |
| Churches, Partners & Organizations Resourced | 12 |
September 4, 2020 | 11:15 a.m.
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Teams in Beirut continue to distribute food and repair homes. The scale of the damage is immense. Our partners are engaging local volunteers to rally around and serve families affected by the blast with food, water, hygiene kits, minor home repairs. Below is what we’ve accomplished with our partners so far.
Response by the Numbers
| Meals Distributed | 14,052 |
| Volunteers Engaged | 149 |
| Volunteer Hours Worked | 6,390 |
| Families Served | 3,074 |
| Individuals Served | 12,134 |
| Churches, Partners & Organizations Resourced | 11 |
August 21, 2020 | 9:30 a.m.
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Teams have been working diligently since the dust settled from the blast. Every day, partners and volunteers move through neighborhoods to provide assistance. Work continues along three main fronts: food security, shelter rehabilitation, and medical assistance.
August 10, 2020 | 12:30 p.m.
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Our implementing partner has found that since the blast left more than 300,000 residents without adequate shelter, sheltering supplies are the most needed items. In some cases, this would be a tarp and in others, a door or windows are needed to create a safe structure for families. Many families who have stayed in their residence have had to take shifts, staying up at night to keep out any potential looters. Additionally, medical aid and hygiene kits are a significant need.
It is important to note that since the currency has devalued by 80% since October 2019, there was already a sense of desperation for many families before this blast took place. The explosion has only worsened an already devastating situation for the nation of Lebanon.
August 6, 2020 | 8:25 a.m.
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Earlier this week, an area of Beirut, Lebanon was ripped apart by a massive explosion. Many details regarding the cause and damage are still unknown. Investigators suspect the blast might have been due to the mishandling of ammonium nitrate — a chemical used in fertilizers, munitions, and explosives — in a local warehouse. Cellphone footage of the blast shows a massive explosion near one of the city’s docks, which shattered windows and destroyed thousands of buildings and homes. The blast was felt up to 150 miles away.
At least 135 people have been confirmed dead and thousands more were injured or are missing as a result of the explosion. Reports indicate 200,000 people have been displaced from their homes. According to the New York Times, the Lebanese government is concerned about food shortages as the explosion destroyed major grain reserves.
Convoy of Hope’s partners in Lebanon are working in dangerous conditions to determine our best path forward. Today, a team is assessing needs and collaborating with other organizations to see how we can meet needs together.
Undoubtedly, this tragedy will impact the entire nation of Lebanon. Our hearts reach out to every family and child who lost loved ones in this terrible incident. Lebanon is a very special place to Convoy of Hope. Our ongoing work of feeding children and families will continue into the future, and extra resources are being sent to help during this terrible time.
