Beirut charity: How to help after Lebanon’s devastating explosion

Australians are rallying together to help the victims of Beirut’s devastating explosion. Here’s how you can help Lebanon get back on its feet.

A massive recovery operation is underway in Lebanon after a mushroom cloud explosion tore through the nation’s capital on Tuesday.

The explosion at the city’s port has so far claimed at least 113 lives and Beirut’s mayor said the devastation may have left 300,000 people temporarily homeless.

He said the damage to the city could cost about $3 billion to repair – which is a major blow to a country already reeling from an economic crisis.

On top of that there are fears about food supplies because Beirut’s port is Lebanon’s largest maritime gateway – meaning the nation will take a hit in trying to bring in sorely-needed food and medical supplies.

Nearly half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line and 35 per cent are out of work, according to official statistics. Fuel shortages and bread lines have become common.

More than 300,000 people have been displaced because of the explosion. Picture: STR/AFP

Now nations around the world are rallying around Lebanon. Here in Australia, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the government would direct $2 million in humanitarian support to the country.

“In the response to this disaster, Australia will direct $2 million in humanitarian support to Lebanon to help with the recovery from the devastating explosions in Beirut,” Ms Payne said.

“The funding will consist of $1 million each to trusted aid partners, the World Food Programme and the Red Cross movement, to help to ensure food, medical care and essential items are provided to those affected by this tragedy.”

She said Australia and Lebanon have a strong relationship and extensive community ties, with more than 230,000 Australians having Lebanese heritage.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you would like to help Beirut get back on its feet here are some of your options.

• The Lebanese Red Cross provides the majority of ambulance services in Lebanon. In a statement it said it would dispatch every ambulance from North Lebanon, Bekaa and South Lebanon to Beirut to treat the wounded and help in search-and-rescue operations. You can make a one-time contribution on its website.

The damage to the city could cost around $3 billion to repair. Picture: STR/AFP

• Impact Lebanon, a non-profit organisation, has set up a crowd-funding campaign to help with the recovery effort. It is also helping to share information about people still missing after the explosion. The group has raised almost $4 million so far.

• Baytna Baytak, a housing charity, is raising funds with Impact Lebanon to shelter some of the 300,000 people who have been displaced by the disaster. Funds will be used to help victims whose homes were lost and damaged to pay for hotel fees or rent apartments.

• Locally, hundreds of Lebanese have offered shelter to strangers displaced by using the hashtag #ourhomesareopen.