South Asian nations express concern for Explosions in Beirut

Explosions in Beirut

A fire at a warehouse containing explosives, nearly 2700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, at the Port of Beirut led to the blast. The blast left more than 3,000 people wounded, and over 135 casualties have been reported so far.

Lebanese authorities have declared Beirut a \”disaster area\” due to the incident. Lebanon\’s Supreme Defense Council has declared a state of emergency for two weeks in Beirut.

Similarly, many neighboring and regional countries including Turkey, Qatar, and Libya offered help to Lebanon on Tuesday following the incident. South Asian countries too, were quick to release statements and announce help after the disaster.

Bangladesh\’s response

Additionally, Bangladesh has decided to dispatch emergency food and medical supplies as well as an emergency response team to Lebanon. Dhaka stands ready to provide any other emergency assistance to Lebanon, said their Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen telephoned his Lebanese counterpart Charbel Wehbe on Wednesday to express sympathy for the victims of the explosions and to offer assistance.

The powerful explosions in Beirut killed four Bangladesh nationals and injured nearly 100, including 21 Bangladesh Navy personnel. Besides, Bangladesh Navy ship Bijoy, anchored near the site of explosions, has been damaged.

Pakistan\’s reaction

Moreover, Pakistan has voiced solidarity with Lebanon over the blast. Beirut and Islamabad have historically shared warm bilateral relations.

\”Deeply pained to hear of the massive explosions in Beirut with precious lives lost & thousand injured,\” Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter.

\”We stand in solidarity with our Lebanese brethren in their difficult hour, sharing their sorrow & grief. May Allah grants a speedy recovery to the injured & strength to the bereaved,\” he added.

India\’s reply

“Shocked and saddened by the large explosion in Beirut city leading to loss of life and property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured,” said the Prime Minister of India on his twitter account.

Additionally, after the blast was reported Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Beirut asked Indian community members to stay calm.

“2 big explosions heard in Central Beirut this evening. Everyone is advised to stay calm. Any Indian community member in need of any help may contact our HelpLine,” the official Twitter account of the Embassy of India, Beirut tweeted.

Sri Lanka\’s statement

Furthermore, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa contacted the President of Lebonan and said “At this tragic moment, Sri Lanka stands together in grief and expresses deepest condolences to you through you to the families of the victims, injured as well as to the People and Government of Lebanon. We wish a speedy recovery for the injured people.”

Sri Lanka\’s Foreign Ministry stated that two Sri Lankan nationals had been injured in the explosion. It added that minor damages had also occurred at the premises of the Sri Lankan Embassy and embassy officials\’ residences in Beirut. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Embassy continues to maintain a 24-hour hotline for the almost 25000 nationals in Lebonan.