A massive fire has erupted at Beirut’s port barely a month after the deadly explosion that ripped through the capital, killing nearly 200 people and leaving 300,000 people homeless. The Lebanese army said the fire was at a “warehouse with oil and tires” and they are currently trying to extinguish the blaze.
“We can see a large column of black smoke billowing into the sky over Beirut. Through the city, we can smell burnt oil. The information we have received so far shows there is no risk of explosion and the authorities are trying to reassure the population. But people in Beirut are in state of panic that the fire might get worse. The wait is excruciating,” says Gul Rehman, CARE Lebanon, Deputy Country Director.
“People in Beirut are in state of panic that the fire might get worse.”
The people of Beirut are still processing the trauma of the explosion that destroyed their houses and claimed so many lives.
“It’s a huge shock for all of us, here in Beirut and for other vulnerable Lebanese people who have already been suffering from the economic crisis, the pandemic, and then the blast. Many Lebanese are unable to deal with yet another crisis and they need our support. CARE is closely monitoring the situation and we are ready to provide support to as many people in need as possible.”