It's the deadly explosion that left Lebanon — and the world — in shock.

A blast ripped across the capital city of Beirut Tuesday, killing more than 130 people and injuring more than 5,000 others. The numbers continue to climb.

Authorities believe the explosion ignited at a warehouse, which was storing more than 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. Investigators are trying to figure out why such highly explosive fertilizer was allowed to be stored at the seaport.

Before the blast, the Middle Eastern country was already in the midst of a catastrophic economic crisis. Thousands have lost their jobs; the currency has lost 80 percent of its value; and a famine is running rampant. Not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic has left even more people out of work.

Dr. Amanda Ramia, a UB Ph.D. and education researcher, is a Buffalo native whose parents were born in Lebanon. She grew up visiting the country on the Mediterranean Coast, and when she saw the economic catastrophe, felt compelled to help. Last month, she and two of her cousins, Kiana and Alexis Saade, began a fundraiser. They're collecting money to buy food, water and other necessities.

“Lebanon is an absolutely beautiful country, but what makes it so beautiful is the people there,” Ramia says. “They are kind, they are smart, compassionate, driven. And more than anything, they’re welcoming. It is a wonderful place and to see it in this state, that's what drove me to start this fundraiser.”

Ramia says even if you don’t have ties to Lebanon, the tiny country is worthy of your help.

"I believe that together we can offer help and aid, and it's not limited to country borders at this point, it's a matter of humanity,” Ramia said. “I understand that many might not know much about Lebanon, but there's so much to learn and so many wonderful things about it, and I think that if we are able to offer help, this beautiful country could rise again."

Anyone interested in donating can find their fundraiser here.

To donate to the victims of Beirut’s explosion, one can donate to this GoFundMe.

The Lebanese Red Cross is also accepting donations.