On August 4, a catastrophic explosion ripped through Lebanon's main port in its capital, Beirut, killing at least 135 people, injuring 5,000 more and damaging buildings across the city. Being an import-dependent country, the port facility was Lebanon's largest maritime gateway fulfilling up to 80% of the country's food requirements.
On the ground, the impact of the blast has been enormous. Not only has it extensively damaged the city and its vital infrastructure, but as many as 300,000 people have been displaced, and hundreds have been reported missing.
Penny Appeal Australia is responding to the crisis by working with its partners on the ground to provide food, medicine, rescue services, shelter and other necessities that are desperately sought.
Penny Appeal Australia will be distributing food packs which include rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, salt, flour, spaghetti, beans, chickpeas, noodles, cheese, tea, tomato sauce and other essentials.
Five hospitals in Lebanon will be provided with medical supplies, burn creams, painkillers and medical kits, which contain other medical essentials that are desperately needed.
Despite their limited resources, ambulances and medical teams have been mobilised for rescue operations with the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Temporary shelter will assist displaced persons in Lebanon whilst generator fuel will be supplied to families living without electricity. Hygiene supplies, baby products, mattresses and blankets will be received by approximately 7,000 people who have sought sanctuary in community centres, mosques, churches and schools in the area.
This is the most powerful explosion that has hit the country in years.