The death toll currently stands at 137 people, with more than 5,000 injured

The Red Cross has launched a Beirut Emergency Appeal to support the relief effort there following this week’s devastating explosion.

Funds raised will help the relief work on the ground being provided by the Lebanese Red Cross, who are responding to this emergency.

Search and rescue teams from the international charity have been looking through the rubble and devastation in the Lebanese capital to find anyone trapped following the blast.

It was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely since 2013 and the death toll currently stands at 137 people, with more than 5,000 injured.

All of Lebanese Red Cross’ emergency medical support have been sent to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured, getting people to hospitals outside of Beirut for life-saving treatment.

Red Cross first aid stations were been set up in and around the city to help people who have been injured.

People in Beirut are dealing with injuries, loss of loved ones and damaged homes. This comes at a time when Lebanon is experiencing an economic crisis, and the tragic and complex challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alexander Matheou, executive director of international, British Red Cross, said: “The situation in Beirut is very serious. Hospitals have been heavily damaged. Doctors are overwhelmed with the number of people needing medical help and are not able to treat everyone. Some people have had to be treated in the streets and the number of fatalities is likely to rise. If you can, please donate to our Beirut Emergency Appeal to save lives right now and help people recover.”

To donate to the Beirut Emergency Appeal you can call 0300 023 0812, visit hereor search: British Red Cross – Beirut Emergency Appeal.