BEIRUT (LEBANON) – French President Emmanuel Macron called for urgent support to help Lebanon when he arrived there on Thursday, two days after a massive explosion ripped through the capital, leaving 145 dead and generating a seismic shock across the region.
A blast at the port injured 5,000 and dozens are still missing. A quarter of a million has been rendered homeless by the explosion. The nation is already reeling from economic meltdown and surge in coronavirus cases.
The French president is the first foreign head of state to visit Lebanon after the tragedy. He promised international aid for the country, but said the government must first crack down on corruption and implement economic reforms.
“If these reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to suffer,” Macron said after being met by his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun at Beirut airport.
At the port where the devastating explosion took place, people gathered seeking details about their missing near and dear amid the mangled masonry and flattened buildings.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab declared three days of mourning from Thursday.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field