A devastating explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut on Tuesday killed at least 100 people and injured more than 4,000 others.

Hundreds of thousands more have likely lost their homes and livelihoods following the tragic blast. A two-week state of emergency in the country has begun.

The cause of the explosion is currently undetermined but Lebanese officials have suggested a leading contributor is likely to be a stockpile of ammonium nitrate that was unsafely stored in a nearby warehouse.

Tuesday’s blast decimated Beirut’s port, a commercial hub and a place of work for many citizens.

Many people living in Lebanon were already experiencing economic hardship in a country where almost half of citizens live below the poverty line, with unemployment at 35%.

The country now faces the added challenge of responding to this humanitarian crisis while also managing the economic and social health catastrophe caused by COVID-19.

“What we are witnessing is a huge catastrophe,” said George Kettani, the head of the Lebanese Red Cross. “There are victims and casualties everywhere.”

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The size of the explosion was massive - the equivalent of a 3.3 magnitude earthquake - and it was heard as far away as Cyprus, 125 miles across the Mediterranean Sea from Beirut.

The Lebanese people now must pick up the pieces from the devastating explosion while also contending with a global health emergency.

Government officials estimate it will cost around $5 billion to repair the damage and to rebuild the community.

So how can you help? We have prepared some resources to point you in the right direction…

• Lebanese Red Cross

  • The hospitals in Beirut were almost immediately overwhelmed by casualties from the blast. The Lebanese Red Cross is helping to ease the burden by assisting and coordinating the medical response to the crisis. They are saving lives every day and your donations go directly to helping their on-the-ground efforts in Beirut. The Lebanese Red Cross does not accept donations from third parties so make sure you use their link to donate.

• Save The Children

  • Many children have been impacted by the blast, which destroyed communities and homes within a 10-km radius. The country’s weak health system and current political crisis have left families with no means to protect themselves against a pandemic, leaving children more vulnerable than ever. Save The Children is working to ensure they have access to the shelter, food, water, medical care and emotional support they need. You can assist their efforts here.

• Impact Lebanon

  • Impact Lebanon is a non-profit organization seeking to raise $5 million to support disaster relief efforts in the country. They have currently hit $3.4 million in donations and need your help to reach their target. You can donate via their Just Giving page here.