How Lebanon is Coping with the Explosion

posted on: Aug 11, 2020

By: Yasmina Hage/Arab America Contributing Writer

Everyone started their day like any other day. People went about their business by going to work, shopping, and visiting relatives; however, Lebanon’s fragile state was on their minds—a country in jeopardy not only because of the global pandemic but overwhelming economic crisis and necessary revolution.

Suddenly, around 6 p.m., the earth began to shake all over Lebanon. Even those who lived more than an hour and a half away from Beirut could feel it. A loud and shrill noise followed the “earthquake,” which was soon identified as the explosion. The noise was so traumatic and powerful that even Cyprus heard it, an island 164 miles off the coast of Beirut.

When we ask the survivors in Beirut how it happened, they say that everything went really fast,

“We all felt like we were going to die.”

In the aftermath of this tragic explosion, current reports confirm 158 dead and more than 6,000 injured; however, these numbers are not confirmed due to ongoing discoveries and developments. It should be noted that injuries are not only physical; many say they are “dead on the inside.” Thousands have seen their homes and businesses destroyed; they have lost loved ones, or currently are watching them suffer. 

The Lebanese population in the face of the explosion 

The Lebanese who lived far from the blast still had something to say; “At first, my family and I thought it was an earthquake and that something is breaking as a result of the earthquake.” Said Jean-Paul Azar, a psychology student. Others, on the other hand, directly thought of an explosion: “As soon as we heard the noise, we understood that there was an explosion and we instantly thought of a bomb sent by Israel.” Said Johanna Baaklini and people on social media. Everyone was in shock, lost, and anxious to know if everyone was okay.

In addition to the general panic, it was noticeable that the internet connection didn’t work for some people, and for others, if it worked, it was very weak. All those who have 4G internet service had to use it to be able to check on their family and friends.

Those who lived nearby, not too close to the explosion still experienced a catastrophe; the windows of their homes were completely broken and for the less fortunate, were destroyed. While the apartments were falling apart, they claimed victims who were seriously injured because of the debris that fell on them. These people experienced real trauma because they were in shock, afraid, devastated, worried, and had to find a solution to find out where they were going to spend the night. They didn’t know what to think and couldn’t realize what was going on.

However, the most trauma, of course, was faced by the unlucky ones who lived closest to the explosion.  The complete collapse of buildings has killed more than 100 people and injured thousands. Their pain and experience are inexplicable. Not a word on earth can express their feelings; their homes and neighborhoods are completely destroyed and many of the people whom they love got seriously injured or have gotten killed. 

The whole Lebanese population is affected by this explosion because it has destroyed their people. They can no longer even recognize their wonderful city, Beirut. Usually, this city is always enlightened, full of life, memories, history, and even dreams. Beirut is a city that has always occupied a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants. Now, Beirut is unrecognizable, it’s in ashes, leaving the hearts of the Lebanese in a thousand pieces.

“You are destroying our beautiful country and our people.” Says the Lebanese on social media to the government. Here’s an article that shows you what a beautiful country Lebanon is: https://www.arabamerica.com/lebanon-the-hidden-treasure-of-the-middle-east/

Lebanese help save their country 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDiyC4ylJHM/?igshid=yv01ag2hullb That explosion created a general trauma. The entire Lebanese population, regardless of age, is affected by this horrible situation. Wednesday, August 5, was a day of mourning for this beautiful country that is Lebanon. This explosion has caused the Lebanese of the whole world to lose a part of themselves. Even those who were lucky enough not to lose a loved one, still in shock. Imagine the pain they experience if additionally, they have lost a loved one. The Lebanese people are hurting and need help. This is why the population does not intend to remain idle. In fact, despite the trauma and the complexity of the situation, the Lebanese people are doing everything they can to help Lebanon and their fellow Lebanese in need. 

• Sending messages of support to victims to help them cope.
• Go to Beirut to clean the streets.
• Donate blood.
• Donate money.
• Buy water and food for those in need and distribute it.
• Prepare food such as sandwiches, for example.
• Propose to people who no longer have a house to move in if they have space or apartments of their own that are uninhabited. 
• Collect and distribute essential clothes and belongings.
• Use social media to encourage people to donate blood, donate money, mobilize as volunteers, share photos of missing persons, and share pages that offer houses for people who can no longer stay at home.

If you, too, want to help, don’t wait any longer! In this article, you will find reliable organizations to which you can make donations: https://www.arabamerica.com/beirut-explosion-rocks-lebanons-capital-city-what-you-need-to-know/

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