NCA response to the Beirut Blast

With the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases following the chaos caused by the blast and the destruction of health facilities NCA response to Beirut Blast provided 7,213 Hygiene Kits with COVID-19 protective kit, along with COVID-19 precaution awareness messages to families.

As part of its emergency response efforts to alleviate the impact of the blast on individuals residing in Beirut and surrounding areas, NCA was able through Beirut blast response to conduct various GBV and protection activities in response to arising needs. As part of GBV and protection response NCA and partners implemented psychological first aid (PFA), supported social development centers, provided referrals for GBV services for the purpose of creating awareness around GBV among community members. In one year, the response provided PFA to 1,779 individuals, 902 protection cases were referred or addressed, and 5,683 beneficiaries took part in awareness effort to reduce GBV especially with the increasing risk following the crisis and the lockdown imposed due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The kitchen offered income-generating activities to 11 individuals: 5 cooks, 3 drivers, and 3 social workers, who helped deliver food to the families. Moreover, purchasing the ingredients locally contributed to the local economy. In parallel, NCA distributed 1,908 food kits for the families who were still able to cook in their household but who did not have the financial means to purchase the needed raw material.

Rehabilitation of Shelter, Health and Educational Institutions: Affected population has increased access to improved and safe shelter and basic services through repair/rehabilitation of shelters and institutions.

The rehabilitated schools provide formal education services to 2,118 deprived students and teachers from various ethnic and religious backgrounds including refugee children and children of migrant workers. In addition, NCA rehabilitated five primary health centers (PHCs) and a charitable hospital that provide primary and secondary health care for the affected population.

Livelihood Support: Small to medium sized local businesses affected by the Beirut explosion restore their livelihood activities through repair/reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Human Interest Stories:

Then After few years CRC center had to close due to lack of funds, and her roommate left because she couldn’t find a job and afford to pay the rent. But this didn’t stop Samira, who looked hard till she found a job in a sewing factory. She also found a small apartment with cheaper rent that she could afford to pay. Samira worked for 3 years but since the revolution happened in Lebanon the factory had to close due to the economy.

Helping Restore a Young Family’s Home after the Beirut Blast

In addition to the risks associated with the damage, Elie was also concerned about affording food for his two daughters. With two small children and an income of almost no value because of the economic crisis, Elie is left penniless midmonth and is unable to buy food or milk. “With the rise in prices and the devaluation of the Lebanese lira, I’m unable to bring food home,” he said. “I am forced to borrow money, and I can no longer bear the cost of all the family expenses. It was impossible for me to afford the repairs of the walls or windows. We had a hard time in the kitchen, as the drainage pipes were leaking, and the floor was soaked with water all the time. I couldn’t afford even the smallest repairs.”