After a massive explosion at Lebanon’s main grin silo at Beirut port, the nation is left with less than month’s reserves of the grain, the economy minster, Raoul Nehme, said. But Lebanon still has enough flour to avoid crisis, he added.
Nehme reported that Lebanon needed at least three months of reserves to ensure food security and that other storage areas were being investigated.
Lebanon’s cabinet has declared a two-week state of emergency in the capital city and handed over its control of security to the military following the blast that killed at least 135 people and injured 5,000 others.
Amid the crisis, leaders from the neighbouring countries and around the world have promised all the possible help to Lebanon.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said France will deploy a civil security detachment and several tonnes of medical equipment to Lebanon. “I will go to Beirut tomorrow to meet the Lebanese people to bring them the message of fraternity and solidarity of the French. We will take stock of the situation with the political authorities,” he said. “Emergency doctors will also reach Beirut as soon as possible to strengthen hospitals. France is already engaged,” the French President tweeted.
“Iran is fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.
“We are closely monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this tragedy. Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a city and a people that I hold dear, an additional challenge in a time of already deep crisis. We understand that the Government of Lebanon continues to investigate its cause and look forward to the outcome of those efforts,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also paid the condolences to those affected by the blast while assuring support to the country in any possible way.
“We share the pain of the Lebanese people and sincerely reach out to offer our aid at this difficult time,” Israeli president Reuven Rivlin said on Twitter.
Lebanon’s economy is currently facing its worst crisis in decades.
