“The fear is overwhelming. The needs are growing by the minute,” said Concern’s Lebanon Country Director Sherzada Khan.  

The Irish humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide has launched a Lebanon emergency fundraising appeal to support the work of their teams working amid the bombardment bringing aid to people fleeing attacks in the country. 

The aid agency’s Lebanon staff are actively trying to procure more aid for families in need of safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential items. 

Over 1,500 people have been killed and an estimated one million are displaced already due to bombings in the country, which has a similar population to Ireland living in an area smaller than Munster. 

“What is happening right now in Lebanon is heart-breaking. The fear is overwhelming,” said Concern’s Lebanon Country Director Sherzada Khan, who has seen and heard some of the bombing. 

“Each blast shakes the area around you and causes immense panic and fear. People are obviously living in terror of what will happen next. 

“Concern has launched an emergency appeal to help our team to do what we can for the people displaced. The needs are growing by the minute. 

“With more funding we could provide more shelter and basic needs like food and cash so people can buy essential items after fleeing their homes with little or nothing.” 

Concern, which has worked in Lebanon since 2013, is providing emergency shelter in the north of the country and trying to locate more buildings to use as accommodation. 

They are providing “psychological first aid” to children, providing psychological support in the aftermath of a traumatic incident to reduce their initial distress. 

They are also providing emergency cash assistance so people can purchase essential items after fleeing their homes with little or nothing. 

The aid agency has joined other non-governmental organisations working in Lebanon calling for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

The Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum has also called for the protection of humanitarian workers, medical teams, first responders and the facilitation of humanitarian operations. 

Lebanon was already hosting 1.5 million Syrian refugees and there were already 111,696 Lebanese people displaced since the start of the conflict in October 2023 prior to the escalation of bombings last week. 

To support Concern’s Lebanon Emergency Appeal, you can visit https://www.concern.net/donate/lebanon-emergency-appeal or on its website concern.net and by calling 0818211844