The blast that shook Beirut had the same power of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake and could be heard as far away as the island of Cyprus, some 150 miles away. So far, 5,000 injuries and 137 deaths have been confirmed, with the tally of casualties expected to rise. Hospitals and health centers have been overwhelmed. Three hospitals were badly damaged and closed and two others are only partially functioning. The Governor of Beirut stated that up to 300,000 people were made homeless and damages will reach up to USD 15 billion. Thousands of businesses and homes are severely damaged and livelihoods threatened. Food security is a concern as Lebanon is heavily dependent on imports, most transiting through Beirut’s port.
Shocking moment: deadly explosion ripped through Beirut
Eyewitness footage captures shocking moment deadly explosion ripped through Beirut.
Footage from ABC News.
In the aftermath of the Beirut explosion, our Send Relief crisis response team is in contact with partners in the area, and we are evaluating how to best help those in need. It is through partnerships with the local church and local believers that we will fashion and implement a response based upon a needs assessment. While COVID restrictions complicate coming and going in and out of Lebanon, our staff is in communication with on ground partners to complete an assessment and build a response. While we need to wait for the completion of the assessment, we anticipate some of the primary needs will be food, water, hygiene provision and temporary shelter. There are other actors on site and we will coordinate with them so as to reduce duplication of provision.
Send Relief to Pastors in Beirut Today
Your gifts through the Vision Virginia missions offering funds relief efforts like in Beirut. Give through your local church or online today to send relief to pastor and churches in Beirut.
