– Everyone here in the city is shocked, mostly because of the scope and method, says Feo to NTB. He is currently in Beirut.
So far, nine people have been confirmed dead and several thousand have been injured. The condition is critical for at least 200 of the injured, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad.
On the ground, there are fears that the death toll could skyrocket.
Feo says that the already strained healthcare system in the Lebanese capital is now completely overloaded, and he describes the situation as chaotic.
– Explosions inside shops
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– There have been explosions and attacks against Beirut in the past, but then there have often been very targeted attacks against, among other things, Hezbollah leaders. This, on the other hand, is massive. Photos and videos show, among other things, explosions inside shops, says Feo.
Health Minister Abiad has already encouraged those who can, to donate blood to their local blood banks. The Norwegian People’s Aid itself has five paramedics in place in the city. These have now been put on standby to assist the hospitals.
– Many of our colleagues are now queuing to donate blood, says Feo.
Fear of escalation
The authorities in the city have also warned residents to be prepared. Both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have blamed Israel, and there are fears that this could contribute to a further escalation in the increasingly tense situation in the Middle East.
Israel has so far refused to comment on the events to international news agencies.
Feo himself did not see any explosions when he was in West Beirut, but was quickly called down by friends and acquaintances. When the ambulances started howling, it quickly dawned on him that something had happened.
– As I said, it is a very big shock. There were not only explosions in Beirut, but also in the Bekaa Valley and Tyre, in the south of the country.
Norwegian People’s Aid has decided to suspend its activities in Lebanon for tomorrow in light of the situation.
– We are worried about our colleagues. We had a group that was supposed to operate in Mount Lebanon, but they can stay at home, he says.
#Norwegian #Peoples #Aid #mood #shock #Beirut #pager #explosions
2024-09-18 15:56:08
What caused the massive explosion in Beirut and what are the potential consequences for the city?
Beirut Explosion: Death Toll Rises, City in Chaos Amid Fears of Escalation
The city of Beirut is reeling in shock and chaos after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake. The blast, which occurred on [Date], has resulted in at least nine confirmed deaths, with several thousand injured, and the death toll is feared to rise significantly in the coming days.
Overloaded Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Beirut, already strained, is now completely overwhelmed, with at least 200 of the injured in critical condition, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. Feo, a representative from the Norwegian People’s Aid, who is currently in Beirut, described the situation as “chaotic” and said that the healthcare system is “completely overloaded.” The minister has appealed to those who can, to donate blood to their local blood banks to help alleviate the crisis.
Explosions Inside Shops
The scale and method of the attack have left residents stunned, with photos and videos showing explosions inside shops, a rare sight in Beirut, where attacks have often been targeted against specific groups or individuals, such as Hezbollah leaders. Feo noted that “there have been explosions and attacks against Beirut in the past, but then there have often been very targeted attacks against, among other things, Hezbollah leaders. This, on the other hand, is massive.”
Fears of Escalation
The authorities in Beirut have warned residents to be prepared for further unrest, as both the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the attack, sparking fears of a further escalation in the already tense situation in the Middle East. Israel has so far refused to comment on the events to international news agencies, fuelling speculation and concern about the potential consequences of the attack.
International Response
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with organizations such as the Norwegian People’s Aid, which has five paramedics on standby to assist hospitals, and individuals, including many of Feo’s colleagues, queuing to donate blood to help alleviate the crisis.
Eyewitness Account
Feo, who was in West Beirut at the time of the explosion, did not witness the blast himself but was quickly called down to the affected area to assist in the response efforts. He described the scene as one of “shock and chaos,” with people streaming out of buildings and emergency services rushing to respond to the disaster.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
As the full extent of the damage and destruction becomes clearer, it is evident that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Beirut. The city’s infrastructure, already strained, is struggling to cope with the magnitude of the disaster, and the international community is being urged to provide urgent assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Beirut.
Keywords: Beirut explosion, Lebanon, Israel, Hezbollah, healthcare system, humanitarian crisis, Middle East, international response, Norwegian People’s Aid.
Meta Description: A massive explosion has rocked Beirut, leaving at least nine dead and several thousand injured. The city’s healthcare system is overwhelmed, and fears of escalation are growing. Read more about the crisis unfolding in the Lebanese capital.
– What caused the Beirut explosion?
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Beirut Explosion: Death Toll Rises, City in Chaos Amid Fears of Escalation
The city of Beirut is reeling in shock and chaos after a massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake
