DEVELOPING... on Tuesday, explosions in the Port of Beirut killed more than 100 people, injured thousands, and forced over 300,000 people from their homes. One Oxfam colleague described the situation as "apocalyptic."

This is an emergency on top of an emergency – Lebanon has already been experiencing the effects of the Syrian refugee crisis, an economic downturn, and the cascading impacts of COVID-19. Hospitals in the area were already overstretched due to the virus. Food and fuel prices are already spiking at a time when 40 percent of Lebanese are living in poverty. Now, the damage to the port and grain stores on site is expected to affect imports and food supplies and could cause widespread hunger.

Oxfam's team in Lebanon is working with our partners on the ground to support the needs of those affected by the explosion. These long-standing relationships have developed over decades of work in Lebanon. With our partners, we're aiming to provide water, sanitation services, and financial assistance to those who need it most.

This urgent work can only happen with your help. Please, make an emergency contribution today.

Donate now to the Lebanon Relief & Recovery Fund – your support is urgently needed >>

The Oxfam team in Beirut themselves are all safe, though many are injured and the Oxfam office building has been damaged. They have been sharing their own experiences and concerns for the massive urgent needs and long road to recovery ahead.

Patients have had to be treated in the streets, and there's a short supply of Personal Protective Equipment for the doctors. The country's Health Minister, Hamad Hassan, anticipates cases of COVID-19 climbing over the next few days.

Lives are on the line – and we need to act quickly. Your support can make an immediate difference.

Please, donate today. Your support will go directly to helping people recover from this disaster >>

Thank you for your dedication.

Sincerely,

Abby Maxman
President
Oxfam America