Scenes of devastation following a huge explosion in Beirut leave no doubt as to the immediate and urgent needs of the more than 4,000 people injured. Humanity & Inclusion’s expert team already based in the country is ready to help those in need.
Beirut, Lebanon- August 5: People wearing face masks walks past damaged cars after Tuesday's massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. The blast hit Lebanese capital on August 4, with over 80 people killed and some 4,000 injured. | © Mikhail Alaeddin / Sputnik /AFP PHOTO
HI’s Head of Mission, Caroline Duconseille, was on a roof terrace at the moment of the explosion:
“I felt the building tremble slightly. Then we heard the first explosion with white smoke, shortly followed by an enormous one and lots of orange smoke. The chairs began to fly everywhere and all the glass in the building opposite shattered. It was terrifying!”
HI’s offices in the Achrafieh quarter of Beirut 2km from the site of the explosion have been heavily damaged, as have the homes of several of our team. Fortunately none of our staff was seriously injured.
“Once I had checked that all of my team was safe, we began to visit hospitals and partners to understand what the needs of the injured are. HI has an important role to play in the coming days to reduce the impact of this disaster”.
HI has a team of 98 staff in Lebanon as well as a network of partners, which will now be mobilized to bring our expertise and resources to those in need. Emergency evaluations conducted by HI in Beirut’s hospitals reveal that common injuries include complex fractures and amputations to extremities (fingers, toes). Many have already undergone surgery and will quickly need physiotherapy and mobility aids in order to begin their recovery.
Moïse, who is 14 years old, lost his leg in 2010 when Haiti was struck by a powerful earthquake. With support from Humanity & Inclusion (HI), he has now been fitted with a prosthesis. He meets the HI team regularly to ensure regular adjustments can be made as he grows.
After Haiti was hit by an earthquake on January 12th 2010, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) launched one the biggest emergency responses in its history. The organisation continues to provide support to people with disabilities today.
2020 has been more challenging than anyone could have predicted. But as the year draws to a close, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible, life-changing work that our dedicated supporters have helped us to deliver.
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