HI shocked by vast rehabilitation needs in Beirut

Injuries caused by the huge blasts in Beirut that occurred on Tuesday include burns, fractures and amputations, in addition to thousands of minor and major wounds caused by shattered glass. 500 people are likely to need physical rehabilitation in order to recover.

A view shows the aftermath of the blast at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut, on August 4, 2020. Rescuers worked through the night after two enormous explosions ripped through Beirut's port, killing at least 100 people and injuring thousands. These explosions wrecked buildings across the Lebanese capital. | © Anwar AMRO / AFP

Hospitals in the city are damaged and under-resourced.

To contribute to the collective humanitarian effort, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) will be providing wheelchairs, walking frames and other mobility aids to victims with serious immediate needs who may be discharged from hospital early. We will also distribute wound treatment kits containing alcohol, plasters and bandages to allow those with minor injuries to treat themselves at home and avoid over-burdening hospitals.

HI currently has a team of 98 staff in Lebanon who are all being re-deployed to respond to the crisis. Additional emergency response experts will arrive in the country in the coming days.