UN agency provides cash to help repair homes after Beirut's blasts

APD NEWS

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched a cash assistance program aiming to help 11,500 families for repairing homes with 600 U.S. dollars each after Beirut's blasts.

A statement released on Friday by the agency reported that the program is primarily benefitting those with residential units that were lightly or moderately damaged by the explosions.

It noted that the damage assessment has been conducted by the Lebanese Red Cross through door-to-door household visits, adding that it is a one-off grant that will be paid in U.S. dollar.

"The need for cash is evident from the assessments made, and assistance should cover costs for shelter repairs," said Mireille Girard, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon.

"As people are working to repair and rehabilitate their damaged homes before the cold sets in, the cash assistance comes as much needed support," she added.

Two huge explosions rocked Beirut's port on Aug. 4, destroying a big part of the city while leaving at least 300,000 individuals homeless.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)