The August 4 Beirut Blast, Report #3
Reporting Period: From September 3 to September 9, 2020
Main Update
Although more than a month has passed since the explosion of the port of Beirut, many are still scarred at the psychological level. Children residing in the area of the explosion are still traumatized. Sleep disorders, fear to fall asleep, enuresis, irritability, tendency to isolation, loss of appetite, apathy and other disorders were reported. As such, a devastating scenario has emerged as parents struggle to deal with the situation. According to NGO Terre des Hommes, more than 87% of children need psychosocial support and 41% asked for immediate psychological help[1]. This demonstrates the gravity of the situation, which risks scathing these young lives forever. Since, more than half of these families are Syrian refugees, who have already had to endure the hardships of war and the pain of exile, it is essential that the international community does not forget this humanitarian emergency. Unfortunately, the economic, political, and health/corona crisis, are only making the situation worse. It is therefore urgently needed to find the necessary resources to secure for these children their fundamental rights such as protection, education and care.
Other Updates
· The damage in the education sector is estimated to be 15.0 – 20.0 million USD. Assessments show that higher education facilities were impacted by the explosion, including 22 buildings belonging to the Lebanese University and 14 buildings of private universities in Achrafieh.
· According to latest estimates, the overall damage incurred as a result of the explosions is in the range of US$ 3.8 and 4.6 billion.
· $56.4 million has been received since the launch of the UN Flash Appeal on 14 August.
· 8,707 of the 12,500 metric tons of wheat flour arrived at Beirut Port and offloaded.
Humanitarian Response
· Regular assessment is being done by the assigned national committee at the Council of Ministers with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Syndicate of Doctors to identify urgent medical needs at hospitals and aids received.
· The Ministry of Public Health put on weekly basis the lists of medical support items per hospital that are distributed through the army.
· The outpatient department at Quarantina Hospital is now running with local staff. In addition, temporary rehabilitation of the Hospital included repairs within the neonatal intensive care unit, the pediatric intensive care unit, the operating room and a ward. In addition, $1.1 million were committed to reconstruct the pediatric division over the next six months
· 7 field hospitals have been set up in affected areas to support hospitals.
· 1500 medical consultations and 200 child protection and psychological support services were provided by Ministry of Social Affairs through its centers located in the affected areas.
· On 3.9.2020 an Italian humanitarian flight arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport carrying medicines, health and medical care material as well as personal protection kits, donated to the Lebanese Red Cross for distribution to hospitals in Beirut and Tripoli.
· 250 tons of medical supplies were donated by Cyprus through Cyprus Red Cross to the Lebanese Red Cross.
· The Lebanese Diaspora in Brazil donated 6 tons of medical supplies that arrived at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport on 3.9.2020.
· 2,788 consultations and at least 1,116 wound-care sessions, was provided to at least 7,689 patients by 9 organizations.
· 2,363 individuals were reached out by 4 organizations and provided with primary health care including consultations, medical treatment and distribution of medicines (OCHA Strep#9).
· Since the beginning of the response, 34 tons of PPE were delivered to 27 hospitals; 6.3 million pieces of PPE and COVID-19 supplies were distributed to five border-crossing points; and 1.4 million pieces of PPE and COVID-19 supplies were donated to the Ministry of Public Health.
[1] OCHA, Sept 3, 2020, https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/beirut-one-month-after-explosion-87-children-need-psychosocial-support-41-immediate