Home » Operations » Beirut Port Explosion

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

  • TRIPLEX
  • 1998

TRIPLEX 1998

In June 1998, TRIPLEX took place in Camberley and at Manston Airfield in the UK, building on the success of the inaugural exercise. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), this large-scale simulation brought together humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and EU Civil Protection teams to practice disaster response in a realistic and controlled environment. The exercise focused on improving coordination, assessments, and logistical support, with participants addressing challenges such as rapid deployment and operational interoperability. TRIPLEX 1998 highlighted the importance of collaboration and preparedness, reinforcing the capacity of humanitarian actors to respond effectively to complex emergencies.
  • Epidemic
  • 2014

Monrovia ETU & Camp

More than 9,200 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) were reported across seven countries by mid-October 2014. To support efforts in combating the outbreak, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) deployed two cargo aircraft from Stockholm and a team of support staff over the weekend of October 18-19.
  • Earthquakes
  • 2015

Gorkha Earthquake

A large scale 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Nepal's capital Kathmandu on 25 Apr 2015, killing thousands of people, destroying buildings and infrastructure. IHP was requested by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to deploy staff and assets to support the critical relief efforts.   

Log In

Log in