You’re not alone, world tells blast-hit Lebanon
Macron visits Beirut; angry residents rage at country’s leaders
BEIRUT: As Lebanese rescuers counted the dead and combed rubble for signs of life a day after a massive explosion shattered swaths of Beirut, nations near and far have assured that the country, trapped in a deep economic crisis and political turmoil, is not alone.
Losses from the blast are estimated to be between $10bn to $15bn, Beirut governor Marwan Abboud said, adding that nearly 300,000 people are homeless.
Public anger is on the boil over the blast caused by a massive pile of abandoned ammonium nitrate that had been stored for years in a ramshackle port warehouse.
Residents of Beirut vented their fury at Lebanon’s leaders on Thursday during a visit to the site of the blast by French President Emmanuel Macron, blaming them for the tragedy. They shouted “Revolution!” and crowded around Macron. “Lebanon is not alone,” Macron tweeted on arrival before pledging Paris would coordinate international relief efforts.
For many Lebanese, Tuesday’s giant blast was the last straw after years of corruption by the political elite.
The explosion at the capital’s port that killed at least 137 and injured thousands, stunned the world. From Australia to Indonesia to Europe and the US, countries pledged to send in aid.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo reaffirmed “our steadfast commitment to assist the Lebanese people” in a phone call with PM Hassan Diab. Australian PM Scott Morrison pledged $1.4 million to the relief effort.
The EU activated its civil protection system and the WHO is sending in medical supplies to cover up to 1,000 trauma interventions.