Prayers for Beirut
Back to Latest NewsFrantic search for survivors of deadly blast
Rescue workers in Lebanon are searching for dozens of people missing a day after a huge explosion devastated the port area of the capital, Beirut. The blast, which shook the whole city, killed at least 113 people and injured more than 4,000 others. A two-week state of emergency has been declared. President Michel Aoun said the blast was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse. All port officials have been put under house arrest pending an investigation. Customs chief Badri Daher told local media that his agency had repeatedly called for the ammonium nitrate to be removed, but "this did not happen, and we leave it to the experts to determine the reasons". Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertiliser in agriculture and as an explosive.
Lebanon has received messages of condolence and offers of support from around the world. The Queen was among those to send condolences to the nation’s president Michel Aoun, saying she and the Duke of Edinburgh were “deeply saddened” by Tuesday’s blast. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK Government is “ready to provide support in any way we can”, while the Foreign Office said it is “monitoring the situation closely”.
The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for Britons to support the relief effort. At least 300,000 homes have been damaged, and many are no longer habitable, said the Beirut governor, Marwan Abboud. The UN has estimated that the total damages could reach 3-5 billion USD. This disaster has happened at a challenging time for Lebanon, as they deal with the coronavirus pandemic and the country’s economic turmoil. This explosion threatens to push many who were already suffering further into poverty and hunger.
God of love, whose compassion never fails, we bring before you the grief of the people of Beirut, Lebanon, in the aftermath of the catastrophic explosions. We give thanks to the relief fund and the organisations from around the world who are ready to provide the support so desperately needed. Lord, comfort those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones, and give hope to the people that their businesses, their homes and their lives will again be restored.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.