On the 4th of August 2020, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions blasted Beirut port.

 This explosion killed 204 victims, injured over 7000, numerous went missing for several weeks and lots struggled for months before surrendering to the severity of their injuries.

7 months later and the exact causes behind the explosion are still pending further investigations. So far, the explosion has been attributed to 2,750 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate in chamber number 12 of the port warehouses.

The explosion had a devastating impact on Beirut. Almost half of the city was destroyed in addition to the adjacent areas in Mount Lebanon governorate. People lost homes, offices, restaurants, taverns, hotels, hospitals, stores… their businesses were deeply affected while already facing an exceptional economic crisis.

A total of 200.000 housing units were affected in Beirut. An estimated 40.000 buildings were damaged, including 3.000 non-repairable. Over 15.000 businesses, almost 50% of Beirut establishments were damaged.

People who wanted to return to their homes didn’t have the means for complete reparation. The destruction was so enormous, even their water installations and the majority of their home appliances were ruined.

Therefore, and in synergy with NGOs and INGOs, the YMCA identified major needs in the shelter and health sector and chose to channel a suitable part of the support into home appliances, especially that under the current economic situation in Lebanon, such products became extremely expensive.