Greece has offered immediate assistance to the authorities of Lebanon following the devastating explosion in Beirut on Tuesday evening that has killed so far 73 50 people and injured over 3,700. The huge explosion in a port warehouse district near the center of Beirut killed sent shockwaves across the Lebanese capital, shattering windows and causing apartment balconies to collapse.
A video I received on WhatsApp of the scalr of explosion in #Beirut, confirming it was at the port. pic.twitter.com/bIkcyfsi0o
— Bissan Fakih (@BissanCampaigns) August 4, 2020
Officials expected the death toll to rise sharply as emergency workers dug through rubble across a swathe of the city to rescue people and remove the dead, reuters reports. It was the most powerful blast to hit Beirut in years, making the ground tremble. A security source said victims were being taken for treatment outside the city because Beirut hospitals were already packed with wounded. Red Cross ambulances from the north and south of the country and the Bekaa valley to the east were called in to cope with the huge casualty toll.
In tweets and statements, the Greek Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the Civil Protection said that Greece stood ready to assist the Lebanese authorities with all available means.
On behalf of the Greek people, I want to express my deepest condolences to the people of Lebanon, especially to the families who have suffered losses, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. Our thoughts are with you.
Greece stands ready to provide any assistance needed.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) August 4, 2020
We express our profound sorrow at the deadly explosions in the port of #Beirut and our solidarity with the government and people of #Lebanon. Announcement @GreeceMFA on the explosions in Beirut: https://t.co/M4tfDnLZma
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) August 4, 2020
#Greece🇬🇷 stands ready to assist with all available means #Lebanon🇱🇧 authorities in addressing consequences of the deadly explosion in #Beirut – We closely follow the situation and @GSCP_GR has already contacted EU DG Echo @eu_echo expressing readiness
— Νίκος Γ. Χαρδαλιάς (@nhardalias) August 4, 2020
Η Ελλάδα🇬🇷 έτοιμη να συνδράμει με όλα τα διαθέσιμα μέσα τις Αρχές του Λιβάνου🇱🇧 για την αντιμετώπιση των συνεπειών της φονικής έκρηξης στη Βυρηττό – Παρακολουθούμε την εξέλιξη & η ΓΓΠΠ έχει ήδη επικοινωνήσει με τον Ευρ. Μηχανισμό Πολ. Προστασίας εκφράζοντας την ετοιμότητά της
— Civil Protection GR (@GSCP_GR) August 4, 2020
With hospitals packed and medical staff treating injured even in parking lots, there are calls for urgent need of blood and medication.
Medical staff are treating patients in the parking area at Geitawi Hospital. #Beirut hospitals fully occupied.
Photo credits to @sewella. #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/erfCsTACAq— Beirut.com (@BeirutCityGuide) August 4, 2020
#Beirut
The Lebanese people need us !! This video should be shared worldwide !! 🗣🗣😓😓 pic.twitter.com/UzdxEM2feq— Romeo Wick (@Romeo_Wick) August 4, 2020
Several hospitals in #Beirut were damaged by the explosion. Some are asking for generators to keep power on as they evacuate patients.
"This is a catastrophe," said a doctor.
Lebanon is already dealing with a major economic crisis and power cuts; the govt is appealing for aid. pic.twitter.com/t47LG8dE4S
— AJ+ (@ajplus) August 4, 2020
Lebanon’s interior minister said initial information indicated highly explosive material, seized years ago, that had been stored at the port had blown up. The minister later told Al Jadeed TV ammonium nitrate had been in storage there since 2014.
Moment of #Beirut port explosion during a mass broadcasted online (due to covid-19 situation).
This is what Apocalypse looks like! pic.twitter.com/CUvZYSgsKi— Rayane Moussallem (@RioMoussallem) August 4, 2020
Footage of the explosion shared by residents on social media showed a column of smoke rising from the port district followed by an enormous blast, sending a ball of white smoke and fireball into the sky. Those filming the incident from high buildings 2 km from the port were thrown backwards by the shock.
