News

Death Toll In Blast-Hit Beirut Rises To 177

BEIRUT, Aug 14  — The death toll from last week’s massive explosion at Beirut port has risen to 177, reported Anadolu Agency, quoting Lebanese Health Minister Hassan Hamad on Thursday.

Noting there were 30 people missing after the deadly blast in the capital, Hamad told a local TV channel that the number of fatalities could reach up to 200.

The Lebanese army in a statement said foreign diplomats were informed about the distribution mechanism of aid following the incident.

Information about how the aid received by Lebanon will reach those who suffered from the explosion has also been shared with diplomats, it added.

The statement said the needs of health centres and hospitals in the country will be determined before the distribution of medical aid.

The medical aid will be distributed in line with the coordination between the country’s Health Ministry and Defence Ministry, while the food aid will be distributed in cooperation with the military and non-governmental organisations, it said.

It is noteworthy that the Lebanese army shared the mechanism of transparently distributing aid received by the country with foreign diplomats following accusations of corruption against the country’s rulers by social media activists and demonstrators who organised protests in Beirut.

The powerful explosion rocked Beirut on Aug. 4 after a neglected stockpile of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse ignited.

The blast wave flattened nearby buildings and caused extensive material damage in the capital, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless.

It came at a time when Lebanon was dealing with a severe financial crisis along with the coronavirus pandemic.

Violent demonstrations continue despite the resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his government.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday that property damage from the explosion could cost more than US$15 billion, according to the official Lebanese News Agency.

Source: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Pandora Turns Landmarks Into Luxe, “Icons of Adventure”

From Dubai’s skyline to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Pandora’s latest collection celebrates wanderlust with a… Read More

17 hours ago

NakNak’s “Pickle & Play” Brings Food And Fun Together

What happens when Korea-inspired comfort food meets Malaysia’s latest sports craze? You get Pickle &… Read More

18 hours ago

Greta Thunberg Urges the World: “Focus on Gaza, Not Me”

On October 7, renowned Swedish activist Greta Thunberg arrived safely in Paris, France, following a… Read More

19 hours ago

Skechers Brings The Heat To The Court With New Viper Court Collection & Pickleball Apparel

Pickleball is having a moment and Skechers just made it cooler. The Comfort Technology Company™… Read More

22 hours ago

Go Organic, Go Authentic, Alce Nero Turns Pasta Into a Feel-Good Lifestyle

Organic, but make it Italian. This September and October, Alce Nero wants Malaysians to celebrate… Read More

22 hours ago

foodpanda Wants Gig Workers to Thrive, Not Just Survive in 2026

Budget 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, especially for the gig economy.… Read More

22 hours ago

This website uses cookies.