Lebanon: UN and humanitarian partners continue support response in Beirut
Credit: OCHA
In Lebanon, the United Nations and humanitarian partners are supporting and mobilizing assistance for the ongoing Government-led emergency response efforts to the explosions.
With support from the UN and its partners, the Lebanese Red Cross is providing temporary shelter for displaced families.
Credit: OCHA
Medical facilities in Beirut remain inundated with trauma and burn patients, with many providing treatment on sidewalks and in parking lots. Many intensive care units were already near capacity with COVID-19 patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the blast has rendered inoperable three hospitals and two more have sustained substantial damage. The equivalent of 500 hospital beds have been lost due to damage.
Further assessments are under way in coordination with the Ministry of Health to identify available capacity, material needs and operational gaps in the health sector. WHO is providing assistance for more than 1,000 trauma cases and 1,000 surgical interventions. Health organizations have started to procure medical equipment and supplies.
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Najat Rochdi, has released US$9 million from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund to address immediate needs and help strengthen the capacity of existing hospitals.
With the Beirut Port inoperable, the UN and its partners are looking to adjust logistics networks to ensure sustained operations. Humanitarian materials will likely be redirected through the Tripoli Port. The change may have adverse consequences for some supply chains, as Tripoli Port has a lower capacity than Beirut Port. Beirut International Airport remains open for passenger and cargo flights.