Beirut Blast: UN agencies warns of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon

After massive explosion rocked Lebanese capital of Beirut, several UN ncies have reportedly warned of a humanitarian crisis in country. Leban was alrey suffering a major ecomic downturn and w blast has left nearly 300,000 people homeless. 

According to integration media reports, World Food Programme said that dam to Beirut's port would interrupt food supplies and push prices up. World Health organisation, on or hand, informed that health system was seriously damd, with three hospitals out of action. 

As per reports, powerful blast was caused by improper stor of approximately 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate at a warehouse near city port. Leban officials estimated dam from explosion exceeds $3 billion. Half of city’s buildings have been severely damd and hospitals are overwhelmed because of soaring number of blast’s victims.

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While speaking to international media reporters, WFP spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs said that y were concerned severe dam to Beirut’s port could limit flow of food supplies and push prices beyond reach of many. Byrs informed that WFP was sending 5,000 food parcels that would be eugh to feed a family of five for a month. She also ded that organisation was also planning to import wheat flour and grains. 

On or hand, Christian Lindmeier of WHO reportedly warned that Leban’s hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and nearly 500 beds h been lost. UN ncy has alrey delivered emergency trauma and surgical supply kits containing essential medicines and medical supplies. It is also calling for $15 million to cover immediate needs and ensure continuity in response to pandemic. 

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Leban receives humanitarian aid

Lindmeier informed that amid COVID-19 outbreak, WHO h sent 17 containers of masks, gowns, and gloves, however, all boxes have completely been destroyed. With such an unprecedented crisis looming over Leban, UN Refugee ncy, which rmally supports Leban’s 1.5 million Syrian refugees, reportedly said that it was releasing emergency shelter materials to all those in need. ditionally, several countries have also offered aid, with US anuncing that it planned to immediately send $15 million worth of food and medicines. 

Meanwhile, an investigation to find exact trigger of explosion is underway, however, officials are blaming tons of ammonium nitrate stored inside safe house for destruction. While trdy was declared a 'major national disaster', Lebanese PM Hassan Diab vowed to punish perpetrators, saying, those behind blasts will “pay price”. Leban also declared a two-week state of emergency in capital of Beirut.

(Im: AP) 

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