UN and partners continue to provide emergency aid in Lebanon

Beirut port is temporarily operational and nearly 9,000 containers were unloaded at the port between 11 and 18 August. Twenty-one freighters and six international ships docked during that period and around 1,050 tons of different goods were imported through the port, particularly iron and wheat.

The Lebanese Armed Forces have successfully cleaned up the eastern port area, which allowed three quays to become fully operational once again, along with a courtyard in the port.

The UN and partners continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and conduct assessments.

UN Women is maintaining a dedicated safe phone line for women and girls at risk or experiencing gender-based violence in affected areas. Thus far, more than 70 calls have been received, and more than 100 on-site psychological first aid sessions were provided to affected families. UN Women is also rolling out a Rapid Gender Assessment with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the last week of August.

Since 5 August, the day after the explosions, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Mount Lebanon Helpline handled nearly 6,200 calls and 561 direct referrals for refugees in need of assistance. UNHCR is providing basic assistance and services, including psychosocial support, emergency cash, shelter kits, and follow-up on any issue related to child protection or sexual and gender-based violence.

Medical mobile units in hospitals continue to treat people including locals and volunteers who were wounded during cleaning activities. International medical NGOs are also on the ground providing support.

The shelter sector continues to distribute shelter kits to the most affected neighbourhoods (Geitawi, Mar Mikhail, Gemmayzeh, and Quarantina). A total of 405 UNHCR shelter kits were delivered on 14-15 August, bringing the total of delivered UNHCR shelter kits to 1,231.

Access to water is also an issue, with more than 680 households in need of water tanks. Some water trucking is being provided, while some buildings have been reconnected to the water supply as a start of the rehabilitation phase.

The Ministry of Interior and Municipalities has announced a full two-week lockdown starting from 21 August to 6 September to stem the spread of coronavirus cases in the country. All relief and aid workers in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion will be permitted to continue.

Original source: UNOCHA