Beirut blast: World offers support, condolences to Lebanon after devastating explosion

BEIRUT – Emergency medical aid and pop-up field hospitals were dispatched to Lebanon yesterday, as the world offered assistance and paid tribute to the victims of the huge explosion that devastated Beirut.

The blast centred on the city’s port caused massive destruction and killed more than 100 people, heaping misery on a country already in crisis.

Emergency medical aid from Kuwait arrived in the Lebanese capital in the morning, as the Lebanese Red Cross said that more than 4, 000 people were being treated for injuries after the explosion which sent glass shards and debris flying.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister

Hassan Diab has called on “friendly countries” to support a nation already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades, as well as the coronavirus pandemic.

Gulf states were among the first to respond, with Qatar announcing it would send field hospitals to ease pressure on Lebanon’s strained medical system.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said in a message to his Lebanese counterpart that Tehran was “ready to offer medical and medicinal aid and help treat the injured.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II also promised to dispatch a field hospital.

Dutch authorities announced that 67 aid workers were headed for Beirut, including doctors, police officers and firefighters.

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon alike sent their condolences, with Iran and Saudi Arabia – long rivals for influence over the country – both sending messages of support. – AFP.