What is currently happening in Lebanon?
Lebanon is once again reeling from a catastrophe and our field office has already deployed first responders to assist the authorities.
Political inaction and the devaluation of the Lira, Lebanon's official currency, have contributed to a growing wave of anger, frustration and desperation. The crisis, combined with the coronavirus lockdown, has put at least half of the Lebanese population under the poverty line. Earlier this year, the World Bank projected that at least 50% of the country would become poor -- up from nearly 30% last October.
Lebanon declared a state of emergency in an attempt to control the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). A national lockdown was implemented, making refugee and marginalised families even more vulnerable.
Nearly every day, the snowball effect of Lebanon's economic meltdown brings new developments. Prices have surged -- the situation is verging on hyper-inflation -- and fuel shortages have plunged the country into darkness, with power outages lasting almost 24 hours. Several individuals took their own lives, with local media reports suggesting that the suicides were linked to economic hardship caused by the crisis.
What we are doing in Lebanon?
All donations made are allocated to projects in infrastructure, food, medical, hygiene and education in order to help the people of Lebanon get back on their feet.
In addition, we have a mobile clinic that has been deployed in various locations attending to people who need urgent medical attention. The Mobile Clinic is a specialised vehicle equipped with basic medical devices, loaded with medicines and multiple areas for examinations and tests that reach those in need.
We also support the distribution of medicine to vulnerable families as well as emergency cases which include urgent surgeries and oxygen respirators for COVID-19 patients.
We have deployed personnel and volunteers to assist with emergency food parcels as well as distributing hygiene packs which include masks, sanitisers, soaps, and other material.
What can you do?
We need your help today.
Although AusRelief is focusing its relief efforts in many parts across Lebanon, our attention is now directed towards the casualties of this horrific blast.
FAQ
What is the Lebanon Crisis Appeal by AusRelief?
The Lebanon Crisis Appeal by AusRelief is an emergency appeal aimed to provide emergency support to communities in Lebanon that have been devastated by the country's economic and financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the influx of Syrian refugees, and the Beirut blast.
How can I donate to the Lebanon Crisis Appeal?
You can make a donation today to the Lebanon Crisis Appeal by visiting AusRelief's website and clicking the "Donate Now" button. You can choose to make a one-time or monthly donation, and you can select to donate to specific programs such as hygiene kits, primary health care, or emergency preparedness and response.
What is the purpose of the Lebanon Crisis Appeal?
The purpose of the Lebanon Crisis Appeal is to provide emergency support to communities in Lebanon that are in dire need of support due to multiple crises affecting the country's population.
What are the crises impacting Lebanon's population?
Lebanon is currently facing an economic and financial crisis, a pandemic, an influx of Syrian refugees, and the aftermath of the Beirut blast. These multiple crises have exacerbated the country's already fragile state and are putting more than half of the population in need of support.
What impact has the economic crisis had on Lebanon?
The economic crisis has caused the country's currency to plummet, leading to skyrocketing inflation and unemployment rates. Many Lebanese citizens have lost their jobs and have been made homeless as a result of the compound crises.
What is AusRelief doing to help Lebanon?
AusRelief is providing emergency support to communities in Lebanon through various programs such as providing hygiene kits and primary health care. Through the Lebanon Crisis Appeal, AusRelief aims to continue to support the country in its time of need.
