Crisis in Beirut
Written by Chatpat Tanavongchinda (Poj) | Edited by David Bang, Wasinee Siriboonlamom (Dow) | Designed by Jasmine Shek (Jas), Marianna Realosa (Yanna), Yanisa Likhitapisit (Palm)
Bierut: Tuesday’s explosion of approximately 2,750 tons of highly reactive ammonium nitrate (equivalent to 1-2 kilotons of TNT) has further escalated the devastating toll of the already severe economic and political crisis. The blast released a supersonic shockwave that could be heard from Cyprus, 100 miles away. As a result, 100+ have been found dead, 5,000+ injured and 300,000+ have been left homeless.
Lebanon is already experiencing the worst economic and political crisis since the end of its civil war.
Electrical blackouts are common, corruption is rampant, unemployment is high, and chronic inflation is leading to spiking food prices (Lebanon imports most of what it consumes). But the country has already had its share of political unrest after the public filled the streets with cries in protest to end the corruption in government several months ago, forcing the former PM to resign.
Several agencies have warned that the destruction of facilities has further complicated the already severe situation.
Three of the capital’s largest hospitals, the country’s largest port, and an essential grain silo have been damaged. The WHO has stated that the loss of three hospitals -- already burdened by the pandemic -- makes the healthcare system unable to treat the 5,000 or so wounded. Moreover, the WFO has also warned that food insecurity will become more acute in the country as the destruction of a large portion of the country’s grain stock and the port will further limit the flood flow. There is no clear plan on how to rebuild other damaged residential and commercial areas or accommodate the people left homeless.
An investigation of the explosion is in progress, but early signs show that incompetence and negligence played a factor.
Evidence shows that high-ranking officials were aware of the large stock of ammonium nitrate and its dangers for at least six years. Memos emphasizing the concerns that the port warehouse was not a suitable place to store the chemical were sent to many judges, ministers, and politicians, but there was no response. Many blame the country’s unqualified leaders for incompetent management. The current government has now resigned amid public outcry.
Most saddening of all is that the police are using excessive force to disperse protesters angered by the government’s inaction.
Reports highlight the excessive use of tear gas against mostly peaceful protestors. To add to that, there are reports of rock-throwing and trespassing during protests in limited numbers. Rubber bullets were randomly shot at the peaceful sections of protests; many bullets were not appropriately fired and hit the heads and necks of protestors. A Human Rights Watch observer noted that “security forces fire a tear gas canister directly at a protester’s head, in violation of international standards, severely injuring him. The protester was merely standing… next to the medics’ station.” Most worrisome of it all is that members of the security forces also tried to prevent journalists and human rights observers from reporting or viewing the protests.
At this stage, it’s important for us to support the people of Lebanon and reduce the toll of the humanitarian crisis.
Encourage your local government to support the international relief effort if your country is in a position to do so.
Make a personal donation to the Lebanese Red Cross, the WFO, Islamic Relief, Unicef, and other organizations listed here.
Ensure that the relief funds are not subjected to corruption and pay attention to media reports about the use of funds.
Ensure and pressure the Lebanese government to hold those responsible for negligence accountable.
Pressure the Lebanese government to comply with international standards when engaging in crowd control.
Support comprehensive reforms to reduce corruption and dysfunction in the Lebanese government.
Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/world/how-to-help-lebanon-beirut.html
https://www.hrw.org/blog-feed/lebanon-protests
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/06/economy/lebanon-economy-beirut-blast-imf/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWco98EoSZM&list=WL&index=69&t=245s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl3Sce7zV2c&list=WL&index=68&t=0s