Fuel tank explosion in northern Lebanon. Photo: Getty
Lebanon is in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe since 2019. More recently, life in Lebanon has come to a halt due to its worsening fuel crisis and subsequent countrywide blackout, with restaurants, businesses, and hospitals having to either scale back operations or shut down completely. Just yesterday (August 15), a deadly fuel tank blast claimed at least 28 lives and injured 79 in northern Lebanon.
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With more than half of the Lebanese population now in poverty – a staggering number which economists expect to rise – they need your aid now more than ever. Here, five ways in which you can get involved.
Donate money to NGOs and funds
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Many NGOs are tending to wounds, feeding hungry stomachs, and rebuilding crumbling infrastructure, and there are some trusted parties you can donate to, including the Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon, and Beit el Baraka. Lebanese-Australian humanitarian Jessica Kahawaty has also started an online fundraiser you can donate to, with each dollar provided to the Lebanese people soon as the fundraiser is closed.
Donate food and medical supplies
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Since early yesterday after the fuel tanker explosion in the Akkar District, medical supplies are urgently needed to treat the injuries and burns of victims. Baytna Baytak, Lebanon Needs, and Basecamp have collaborated to provide the help needed, and you can support them by donating sterile gauze rolls, adhesive tapes, cotton, gloves, masks, antiseptics, wet wipes, and more.
Reach out to your Lebanese friends
If you know someone living in the country or affected by the crisis, check on them with a call or a text. Small gestures of kindness can make a huge difference.
Connect Lebanese talent with remote work opportunities
Repatriation funds are crucial to livelihoods in Lebanon. If you know any unemployed Lebanese talent near you, do your bit to connect them to job opportunities they may be skilled for. Alternatively, shop from Lebanese businesses and support Lebanese creators and entrepreneurs striving to make a difference.
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