Swiss donated CHF7.6 million for victims of Beirut disaster
One year after a devastating explosion in Beirut, the humanitarian charity Swiss Solidarity has given CHF6 million ($6.6 million) to relief projects. In total, the organisation received CHF7.6 million in donations.
On August 4, 2020, ammonium nitrate which had been stored unsafely for years exploded in a port warehouse, killing more than 200 people, injuring more than 6,000 and destroying swathes of Lebanon’s capital. Nearly 300,000 people were left homeless.
More
More
Switzerland mobilises efforts to help Lebanon
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity is appealing for donations to help the victims of the August 4 explosion in Beirut.
Five partner organisations immediately launched emergency relief projects, Swiss Solidarity said in a statementExternal link on Tuesday. They distributed food, water and other essential goods, cared for injured people and carried out urgent repairs to badly damaged houses.
In a second stage, partner organisations focused on more sustainable aid such as supporting the rehabilitation of houses, the reconstruction of livelihoods, assuring food security, protection and education, the organisation said.
Since then, assistance has been extended to households, families and individuals who are in a vulnerable situation not only due to the explosion but also because of the combination of different crises currently occurring in Lebanon, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and high levels of inflation.
“Even one year after the disaster, the needs of the people in Beirut remain considerable,” Swiss Solidarity said.
Poverty line
In the coming months the remaining CHF1 million will be allocated to other projects addressing the most urgent needs of the Lebanese population and providing support in the neighbourhoods most affected by the explosion. Eight of the 16 projects co-financed by Swiss Solidarity have already been completed.
The UN estimates that around 55% of the population lives below the poverty line. In addition, there are about 1.5 million refugees living in Lebanon – out of a population of almost seven million – of whom an estimated 90% also living below the poverty line.
More
More
Swiss Humanitarian Aid ends rapid-response mission in Beirut
This content was published on
The seven experts still on the ground will complete their immediate deployment on Saturday and return to Switzerland.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The story behind Swiss Solidarity
This content was published on
Launched on Thursday, the humanitarian charity Swiss Solidarity has devoted its 250th fundraising campaign to women in crises.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.