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Beirut Port Explosion

Years :
  • 2020
Incidents :
  • Explosion
Country :
  • Lebanon

Description of the mission

Participants :
  • SE
Requester :
  • OCHA

On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion occurred at the Beirut Port in Lebanon, caused by the detonation of approximately 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored improperly in a warehouse. The explosion caused widespread destruction across the city, killing at least 200 people, injuring over 6,000, and displacing around 300,000 individuals. The blast severely damaged homes, infrastructure, and essential services, exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

In response to the disaster, OCHA activated the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team to support the Lebanese government and humanitarian agencies. The International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was also activated to assist the UNDAC team, with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) playing a leading role. MSB provided critical coordination support to the UNDAC team, helping to facilitate the overall response, manage logistics, and streamline communication between humanitarian actors. IHP’s contribution was instrumental in ensuring an efficient and coordinated international response, supporting the relief efforts in the wake of one of Lebanon’s most devastating tragedies.

Credit: UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

Essential equipment supporting humanitarian success

Explore the critical equipment deployed during this humanitarian mission. From advanced medical supplies to innovative logistical solutions, each resource was meticulously selected to address urgent needs on the ground. These tools exemplify our commitment to delivering efficient, effective, and tailored support in the most challenging environments.
  • Coordination support, ICT Support

Other missions

  • Earthquakes
  • 2006

Yogyakarta Earthquake

Following the devastating earthquake in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 27 Mai 2006, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) provided critical ICT support to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) operation. IHP deployed communication specialists and equipment to establish reliable information and coordination systems in the affected area.
  • Floods
  • 2008

Bihar Floods

During the 2008 Bihar floods in Nepal, Sweden, as part of IHP, provided ICT support to UNDAC. The deployment included satellite phones, laptops, and internet connectivity, enabling efficient coordination and communication in flood-affected areas. This critical support facilitated rapid needs assessments and streamlined relief efforts.
  • TRIPLEX
  • 2013

TRIPLEX 2013

TRIPLEX 2013, hosted on the Danish-German border, was one of the world’s largest civilian-led humanitarian coordination exercises. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) and co-financed by the European Commission Civil Protection Mechanism, it brought together over 200 participants from 35 organizations. The scenario involved a cyclone striking two fictional countries, Nordland and Sydland, affecting nearly one million people. Participants practiced evacuation, shelter provision, and infrastructure repair, with coordination led by the On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC).

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