THE British Red Cross launched the Beirut Emergency Appeal last week.

The appeal is for anyone in the UK who would like to support the relief effort in Beirut, following the devastating explosion on August 4.

The funds raised will help the relief work on the ground being provided by the Lebanese Red Cross, who are responding to this emergency.

Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese Red Cross are looking through the rubble and devastation to find anyone trapped.

All of Lebanese Red Cross’ emergency medical support has already been sent to the scene, with more than 75 ambulances and over 375 emergency medical responders from across Lebanon rushing to the area to help evacuate and treat the injured.

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This is crucial to get people to hospitals outside of Beirut for life-saving treatment.

First aid stations have been set up in and around Beirut to help people who have been injured and Lebanese Red Cross teams are helping patients who have been so badly injured.

People in Beirut are dealing with injuries, loss of loved ones and damaged homes.

This comes at a time when Lebanon is experiencing an economic crisis, and the tragic and complex challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alexander Matheou, executive director of international at British Red Cross, said: "The situation in Beirut is very serious.

"Hospitals have been heavily damaged.

"Doctors are overwhelmed with the number of people needing medical help and are not able to treat everyone.

"Some people have had to be treated in the streets and the number of fatalities is likely to rise.

"If you can, please donate to our Beirut Emergency Appeal to save lives right now and help people recover."

To donate to the British Red Cross Beirut Emergency Appeal, visit redcross.org.uk/Beirut