On 4 August 2020, two explosions struck right in the heart of the Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. A tragedy of the scale – we witnessed remotely unfold on the streets of Lebanon has drawn international attention towards the unfolding humanitarian emergency. Our heart goes out to the victims of Beirut’s explosion, the survivors and to the Lebanese expats around the world. Reports suggest that the blast killed at least 200 people, injured more than 6000 and inflicted widespread property damage. Approximately, 250,000 people are feared of becoming homeless. Ground reports suggested ~500 emergency admissions of the blast victims at one hospital in Beirut following the blast. Health systems in Beirut are overwhelmed in coping with the casualties. Humanitarian organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and/or Red Cross Lebanon are supporting Beirut’s health services cope in the aftermath of blasts amidst ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

‪Through this call for humanitarian action and support, we are urging fellow Rotarians and members of the community to support these organisations pursue the much-needed frontline medical support. Goes without saying, we at the Rotary Club of Sydney stand together with Lebanon in these difficult times – compounded by the COVID-19.

Dr Sonu Bhaskar

On Behalf of the Board of the Rotary Club of Sydney

PS: Should you be interested in supporting MSF and/or Red Cross in providing life-saving assistance, please consider donating (links below).

1. MSF supporting Beirut health services in wake of massive blast | Lebanon. https://www.msf.org/msf-supporting-beirut-health-services-wake-massive-blast-lebanon (Sourced August 6, 2020).
2. Red Cross Australia Appeal. Beirut needs your help. https://www.redcross.org.au/beirut (Sourced August 16, 2020).