Save the Children’s offices in Beirut sustained significant damage in yesterday’s blast, the charity has said.
The office is located about five kilometers from the harbour, where the explosion took place.
The charity said in a statement: “Save the Children confirms that its offices in Beirut, around 5km from the harbour, were badly damaged in the explosion, which shook the building and destroyed shop fronts in the neighbourhood.”
Save the Children has been present in Lebanon since 1953 and works to support Syrian refugees living there.
The blast has killed at least 100 people and injured 4,000.
The charity said that “our rapid response team stand by prepared to support the government in their efforts in the coming days”, and expressed worry for children living in the area.
Jad Sakr, country director in Lebanon for Save the Children, said: “We are shocked and devastated by the explosion today. The death toll may not be known for several days but what we do know is that in a disaster like this, children may be hurt, shocked and separated from their parents.
“Our Child Protection teams are ready to support the government’s efforts which will almost certainly go on for several days to come. It is vital that children and their families get access to the services they urgently need, including medical care and physical and emotional protection.”
Islamic Relief and Christian Aid also in the country
Other charities on the ground include Islamic Relief and Christian Aid.
On its UK site’s homepage, Islamic Relief is encouraging people to donate to its Global Emergencies Fund to help its emergency response in the area.
The charity said: “With homes destroyed, and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties – Islamic Relief teams in Beirut, Lebanon, are closely monitoring the situation and remain ready to respond.
“By donating to our Global Emergencies Fund, you can ensure we have a contingency fund that can be used to respond immediately when an emergency hits, and help save lives.”
Christian Aid also released a statement saying that the explosion “could further destabilise a country that was already facing an economic and political crisis”.
