Security Support for Beirut Explosion, Lebanon

On the 4th August 2020 an explosion devastated Beirut, killing at least 220 people, injuring more than 6,000 and displacing over 300,000.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, Solace Global Risk, a leading provider of risk management solutions, identified the explosion before mainstream media, to promptly make security managers aware and confirm the safety of travellers within Beirut during this critical time.

Through our security operations centre and risk management platform Solace Secure, we were able to pinpoint the exact whereabouts of clients in-country and provide them with specialist guidance to ensure they remain safe in a crisis.

Update 27 Sept 2024:  See further information on the developing situation in Lebanon

The dedicated 24/7 crisis response team played a crucial role in providing reassurance to affected travellers and their line managers located elsewhere. Through our efficient communication channels, we informed them that their staff members in-country were accounted for and safe while adhering to the pre-agreed client protocols. Furthermore, we ensured continuous updates on the evolving situation, keeping all stakeholders well-informed throughout the crisis.

Our assistance extended beyond those affected by the disruption in Beirut. Through travel data feeds integrated into Solace Secure, all travellers with planned itineraries towards Beirut were contacted so travel plans could be amended to avoid arriving into a country that could be affected by civil unrest or further security incidents.

For travellers that were unable to defer travel, additional support was provided with Journey Management, ensuring a safe transition that was not disrupted by affected areas as they reached their destinations. Furthermore, for those already in-country, we facilitated their relocation to secure locations outside the city, minimising exposure to potential risks.

As seasoned risk professionals, we understand the importance of providing timely information to our clients. Throughout the crisis, we consistently shared intelligence alerts through Solace Secure, our user tracking and risk intelligence platform. These alerts contained key updates on the situation, often delivered at least an hour before the information reached the mainstream media. By doing so, we ensured that our clients were equipped with accurate and up-to-date information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

One of our core strengths lies in preemptive risk mitigation. Even before the situation reached the attention of mainstream media, Solace proactively posted frequent intelligence alerts on Solace Secure. This allowed our clients to stay ahead of potential threats, enabling them to take necessary precautions and make informed choices for the safety of their personnel. Our commitment to providing timely information ensures that our clients can respond effectively to crises and minimise risks.

During this challenging time, clients commended the operations teams for their expertise in crisis management, travel risk management, and operational risk management.

Through our comprehensive risk management solutions, we provided vital advice, reassurance, continuous updates, and support for those in-country and security managers. All travelling staff were accounted for quickly and all points of contact were notified of their safety and kept up to date with summary reports. By delivering timely and actionable alerts, our clients could mitigate risk and make informed decisions.