Project Justification
On the 4th of August, an explosion at Beirut port shook all of Lebanon, leaving death, destruction, and misery in its way. In a country that was already struggling with a deep economic crisis exacerbated by COVID-19, this explosion was yet another layer of hardship to handle.
1. Problems confronting the effected groups after the explosion in Beirut:
Socio-Economic
- More than 200 deaths and 6000 reported injuries.
- Around 31,000 businesses impacted (excluding micro businesses). Many of the affected areas are considered as commercial hubs housing many start-ups, shops, restaurants and pubs.
- Around 130,000 jobs impacted. This added to the already existing free fall economic situation in the country
- Around 140 schools and technical and vocational institutes damaged with 67,000 students at risk of not having access to education
- Many of the residents in the affected areas turned out to be elderly with specific needs (such as limited mobility) and are in dire need of assistance after the explosion
- Newly affected people might not be supported since they are not familiar with the aid system and might be reluctant to ask for help (non-dignifying)
- With 16 of Beirut hospitals damaged and 4 of them severely destroyed, hundreds of health sector workers (medical or administrative) have lost their jobs, many of which supported their families
- All of these factors are exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis whose devastating effects are still materializing day after day on the Lebanese community
Uncoordinated individual/ organisational and state interventions
- Overall distrust in the information provided by the governmental sources, if any
- Quasi absence of governmental interventions, or very shy/delayed presence
- Due to the massive destruction caused by the explosion and unseen emotional tall on the Lebanese people, individuals and organisations from across the country and from abroad have gathered to support and aid those who are in need. Although this reflects an amazing and touching image of the Lebanese community, unfortunately uncoordinated efforts, be it in the form of assessing damages, distributing meals and parcels or assisting in repairs, have led to the duplication of efforts and waste of funds
- Donations scattered to too many actors reducing the potential of their impact, almost everybody is fundraising!
- Inexperienced volunteers and initiatives have multiplied in areas that need specialization, therefore increasing the probability of doing more harm, regardless of having good intentions
- During the early stages of interventions, people are very busy and active cleaning rubble and shattered glass. Once those activities are over, it is expected to have heavy psychological consequences and reality check. Most interventions are short term and quick fixes and do not help in having long term perspectives
- With many residents suffering from some form of PSTD, mental health support initiatives are being launched with the possibility of lack of training of volunteers to handle such conditions
- Parcels are being sent by foreign states and distributed without careful assessment of needs by the local authorities
- This devotion and enthusiasm to support may fade out putting the affected people at risk
Tensions
- Arising religious and sectarian tensions were already noticed
- Increased violence and thefts in the city were reported legitimizing the presence of unofficial “groups” claiming their role in protecting the area
- Some poor areas of Beirut a bit less affected by the explosion (Khandak Ghamik, Basta, Bourj Hammoud) feel once again neglected allowing room for sectarian discourses
- People psychological status is on the edge and any misunderstandings are overscaled
- Hate messages and rage increased over social media
2. Opportunities
- The unwitnessed unity and cohesion with the Beirut Community
- Lebanese residents wanting to directly support affected families and individuals
- Beirut receiving high national and international media attention after the explosion which is attracting more donors & solidarity
- Lebanese diaspora totally mobilized
Tri-pulley a Dignifying Multiplier socio-economic Impact initiative 