Lebanese authorities have said at least 100 people have been killed and some 4,000 wounded in a massive explosion at Beirut’s port area.
A huge store of highly reactive chemical ammonium nitrate ignited and blew up at Beirut’s port area, sending a shockwave across the city, shattering windows, collapsing roofs, and destroying homes.
Beirut’s port served as the country's economic lifeline. The value of the damage caused by the explosion ranges between 3 and 5 billion dollars.
Sadly, this comes at a very difficult time for Lebanon as the
country is currently battling:
- A collapsing sectarian political system
- A deep economic/banking crisis
- Hyperinflation / The Lebanese pound—pegged to the dollar—has lost over 85% of its value since October. The inflation rate is currently the 3rd highest in the world. In short, Lebanese people no longer have access to their savings due to the enforced bank restrictions and are solely relying on support from abroad.
- Power cuts lasting up to 22 hours per day, prompting some hospitals to turn off their air-conditioner and postpone surgeries
- More than 50% of the Lebanese population living under the poverty line
- 3/4 of the population will live on food handouts by the end of 2020
- 50% of Lebanon’s shops and businesses are predicted to close by the end of the year
- Unemployment estimated at 40%
- A massive spike in COVID-19 cases
- A refugee crisis
Saint Hoax and Plastik are collecting funds to help restore Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael, two neighborhoods that were heavily impacted by the blast.
These neighborhoods are a hub for Beirut’s heritage houses, restaurants, and startups led by young entrepreneurs. Most small businesses operate from these neighborhoods.
Our offices are located there. They are destroyed along with the entire area. Luckily, we were all working from home that day due to COVID restrictions.
Transparency
We will share detailed updates on our respective pages (@PLASTIK and @SAINTHOAX) regarding the distribution of funds. We will only work with trustworthy and vetted organizations on the ground.
Thank you for helping us rebuild and restore our communities and give hope to the people whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by this tragedy.
