Dear John,

Days after the two explosions that ripped through Beirut and horrified the world, a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding.

The explosion which killed over 160 people and injured more than 5,000, has left as many as 300,000 displaced in a matter of minutes amid a severe economic crisis and an already overwhelmed health system caused by the pandemic.

Right now, UNHCR is on the ground assessing what shelter is needed, and which areas are most affected. We are getting emergency weatherproofing materials to the worst affected and supporting Beirut to repair and rehabilitate after this tragedy.

While we are doing everything we can to help the vulnerable and displaced, it is simply not enough. Many people are dealing with trauma caused by the explosion and need mental health and psychosocial support. Many have lost loved ones.

In the past, your support has helped provide essential relief for refugees. Today, we ask you to join us in standing with the affected Lebanese displaced families.

UNHCR continues to call on the international community to stand by Lebanon, show solidarity and provide meaningful support to this generous country that has hosted so many refugees, even during periods of hardship and crisis.

Please give what you can to help displaced Lebanese families live through this.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Astrid van Genderen Stort
UNHCR Head of Emergencies and Communications, PSP