The death toll from the massive explosion that rocked Beirut, Lebanon yesterday continues to climb as Saudi Arabia and the UAE pledge solidarity and support to the Lebanese people.
The two blasts, a smaller explosion followed by a much larger blast that created a massive shock wave experienced miles away from the site, killed over 100 people and left thousands injured and many more homeless.
Saudi Arabia’s ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in support of the Lebanese people.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is watching with grave concern the aftermath of the explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut today, which resulted in deaths and injuries. We express our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and the injured. We ask God to have mercy on those who died in this tragic event, to grant those injured a speedy recovery, and to protect Lebanon from all harm. We affirm the Kingdom’s full support and solidarity with the brotherly people of Lebanon,” the Ministry said.
Saudi Arabia said it would also immediately dispatch relief to Lebanon. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has already assisted Lebanese medical teams treating victims of the Beirut explosion on Tuesday, according to Arab News.
Initial investigations indicate irresponsible and negligent storage of highly explosive material at the blast site, the Beirut port.
“It is negligence,” an official source told Reuters, adding that the storage safety issue had been before several committees and judges and “nothing was done” to issue an order to remove or dispose of the highly combustible material.
Lebanon was already in economic dire straits before the devastating blast. Economists warned just last week that the country’s currency was hitting new lows and that it had become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to see its inflation rate exceed 50% for 30 consecutive days.
Added to the economic malaise, of course, is the threat of the Coronavirus.
The UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted his condolences to the victims, saying: “We pray that God grants you patience and solace. God bless Lebanon and the Lebanese people.”
