On August 4, an enormous explosion obliterated the port of Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. Its reported that at least 100 people have been killed and over 4,000 people are injured. These numbers are likely to continue to rise. The devastation to the city and to the people cannot be understated.

The eastern part of Beiruts port has been totally destroyed, and buildings across the city have been severely damaged. This is a scary situation. Hospitals have been heavily damaged, and they are overwhelmed with the number of people now needing medical help unable to treat everyone. Some have had to be treated in the streets and many sent to hospitals outside Beirut.

The British Red Cross is working closely with the Lebanese Red Cross who have been responding to the crisis. The immediate focus is on saving lives.