2020: Our DC-8 aircraft transported emergency relief items in the aftermath of a deadly explosion in Beirut.
A catastrophic explosion on Aug. 4, 2020, killed more than 200 people, injured thousands, and displaced 300,000 in Beirut, Lebanon. Buildings crumbled, windows and doors were blown out, and parts of the city were left in ruins. Damage was reported miles away from the explosion site at the Beirut port.
Samaritan’s Purse responded by sending two DC-8 airlifts to Lebanon to deliver desperately needed emergency items as well as disaster relief personnel. The first airlift arrived just four days after the deadly blast.
Our teams worked with local church partners to distribute heavy-duty shelter material, hygiene kits, and solar lights to more than 3,500 families, many who were refugees from Syria, Armenia, and Sri Lanka.
Our mobile medical team worked alongside local hospital authorities to treat more than 400 people suffering from open wounds and infections caused by the blast. They also helped prepare hospitals and medical personnel with COVID-19 infection prevention training and resources.
We also deployed staff who provided emotional care and counseling to children and families suffering from trauma in the aftermath of the explosion.
Samaritan’s Purse teams and local partners served the people of Lebanon in Jesus’ Name during this time of crisis, sharing the eternal hope of Jesus Christ and demonstrating God’s love to people in need.
