The devastation following the explosions in Lebanon is enormous. 300,000 people are homeless and the material costs are estimated to reach up to SEK 44 billion. At least 170 people have been confirmed dead and 2,000 injured. People are still missing after the explosion that destroyed Beirut's port and large parts of the city.

The country is in a deep crisis and with an economy that has almost collapsed. The explosion in the port of Beirut was caused by a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored in the port for over six years without adequate safety measures. 

Healthcare most acute

The Lebanese government has resigned as a result of the explosion, but also protests that have characterized the country for just over a year ago. Several challenges now await Lebanon. According to the Red Cross in Lebanon, the most urgent situation in the country right now is healthcare.

- The most urgent thing is healthcare in the country, but also to ensure that people have a roof over their heads so that they can return to their homes and feel safe, Georges Kettaneh tells SVT. 

Increase in corona

At the same time, the coronavirus is now spreading in the country and healthcare has been hit hard. The powerful explosion destroyed four hospitals in Beirut, among other places. According to the Red Cross, more people are expected to be seen in poverty in the future.

- We will definitely see more people fall into poverty after this, but mainly due to the economic problems that have worsened and now there will also be more covid-19 cases in the country. We are in the middle of a disaster and now we have to try to recover and it will not be easy, says Georges Kettaneh.

He describes the situation as a tragedy for the whole of Lebanon.

- This is not a small problem, it is a tragedy, a disaster. It's more than an earthquake, suddenly you find a lot of dead people and more than 6,000 injured, more than 180 dead bodies. 300,000 are facing major problems now and lack a roof over their heads, it is difficult, how should I express myself, says Georges Kettaneh.