Following the deadly blasts in Lebanon, UN warns of Humanitarian Crisis in the country

Devesh Arora.
As workers clear off the debris in Beirut after the cataclysmic explosion on the black afternoon of 4th August 2020, the UN warns Lebanon against the Humanitarian Crisis that will ensue. The blast has left at least 157 dead, 6000 injured and 3,00,000 homeless. Monetary losses are as high as USD 15 Billion.

The United Nations has warned Lebanon’s leadership of a humanitarian crisis that might follow. Food supplies have been seriously damaged. The two biggest grain Silos of Beirut lie only meters away from the centre of explosion and have been shattered completely. This will trigger prices making things unaffordable for those who have lost everything.
This explosion has left the Beirut port (biggest port in the country) shattered as well. Due to this, it will be highly difficult for The World Food Programme to send any supplies.
One more aspect that will catalyse the crisis will be healthcare. With so many injuries, Beirut is in serious need of beds. Overall, 3 hospitals have been destroyed leading to a loss of total 300 beds. Considering the situation, the government of Lebanon has imposed a two week emergency.

The Government has still not presented any concrete statement on what triggered the blast. Many leaders and a percentage of citizens are demanding an International Inquiry into the case. However, the Lebanese President Michel Aoun has denied any such inquiry which might also trigger any protests in the country.

The only way to stop this Humanitarian crisis in Lebanon would be through proper relief work by their government and voluntary support from any international organisation or any other country, if possible.