Who is sending aid to Beirut? Dozens of countries send planes and medics
It is one of the first times since the COVID-19 outbreak that many countries are coming together to do something as an international community.
By SETH J. FRANTZMANA general view shows damages caused by Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon, August 6, 2020(photo credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER)
In the aftermath of the massive explosion that has so far caused more than 130 deaths, injured thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands in Beirut, countries are rallying to provide aid. It is one of the first times since the COVID-19 outbreak that many countries are coming together to do something as an international community.The following is a list of some of the countries that have provided support so far.Russia has sent several planes with emergency supplies and exports. On Thursday, the third plane from Russia stopped in Saratov on the way. It is an IL-76 with 15 specialists, equipment and a lab for COVID-19 tests. A hundred Russian specialists are already on the ground with doctors and rescue workers in Beirut.French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon on Thursday to show his and France’s support. France is the country’s former colonial power and has hundreds of years of cultural, linguistic and religious ties to Lebanon. It has sent several military aircraft with 55 search-and-rescue personnel and 25 tons of medical supplies. These include a third plane that is from shipping giant CMA-CGM, according to reports.In Iraq, Ayatollah Ali Sistani has called on all countries to help. The head of the Iraqi Red Crescent also announced that a transport plane from Iraq with medical aid was on the way.A Turkish military aircraft has flown to Lebanon as well, bringing with it aid and search-and-rescue teams. It left Ankara on Wednesday at the behest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey said.Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has expressed solidarity with Lebanon’s suffering. Iran has offered to treat the wounded from the blast.Israel was one of the first countries to offer aid; reports indicate that aid may be sent via a third party.In Qatar, Al Udeid Air Base was a hive of activity on Wednesday as hospital beds, generators and sheets were put on four cargo planes to be sent to Lebanon. Jordan has sent a field hospital, King Abdullah II said. The hospital will include specialists and staff.Holland sent 67 aid workers, including doctors and firefighters. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his country was ready to provide support.Tunisia has sent two military planes with food aid and medical supplies. Poland has set up a camp in Beirut with firefighters and other experts. A team of 36 aid workers from the Czech Republic were also on the way. Saudi Arabia has said Saudi-funded medical teams are on the ground in Lebanon.The UAE has sent 30 tons of medical supplies, according to Hend al-Otaiba and other officials. Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and an armed forces commander are coordinating the support.Cyprus has said it will accept injured people from Beirut and send medics if needed. China is also sending support, and peacekeepers will provide medical aid. Chinese members of UNIFIL will organize an emergency team with nine medical personnel, initial reports indicated.
