Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced his government will give emergency aid to those affected by the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 4, 2020.
“My heart breaks for the victims and the families affected by this terrible tragedy in Beirut,” Ford said. $2 million will be donated to the Red Cross in order to help humanitarian needs.
Approximately 200 people were killed, and approximately 5,000 injured in an explosion in the port of Beirut. Media reports say the source was ammonium nitrate being stored in a warehouse there.
“We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario provincial government, Honourary Consul of Lebanon in Toronto Greg Bostajian said. Media reports claim that up to 300,000 people have been made temporarily homeless.
Canada Responds to Beirut Explosion
The federal government is responding with offers with more aid. They launched donation matching fund August 8. Canadians are invited to donate to the Humanitarian Coalition or one of its member organizations until August 24, 2020 and have their donations matched.
“I join Canadians across the country to mourn those who were lost in last Tuesday’s tragic explosion in Beirut, and to offer sincere condolences to their families and friends as they grieve this tragedy. I also encourage Canadians to donate to the Lebanon Matching Fund, and we will continue to match your generous donations, ” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
The federal government advises Canadians looking for emergency consular assistance to contact the Embassy of Canada in Beirut at 961 (4) 726-700, or by email at: berut-cs@international.gc.ca. Alternately Canadians can also call Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at : 1-613-996-5585 or email: sos@international.gc.ca
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