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Beirut Explosion: Burj Khalifa And Giza Pyramids Light Up In Solidarity With Lebanon

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Beirut Explosion: Burj Khalifa And Giza Pyramids Light Up In Solidarity With Lebanon

A horrid explosion took place in Beirut on Tuesday, 4 August, killing dozens and injuring thousands of people. The explosion caused massive damage to the surrounding area and sent a huge cloud of red smoke over the city. Over 100 people are reported dead and 4,000 have been wounded. Besides, at least 10 firefighters working for Beirut’s municipality are missing after the explosion.

Lebanese security officers arrive at the scene of an explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. Massive explosions rocked downtown Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the port, damaging buildings and blowing out windows and doors as a giant mushroom cloud rose above the capital. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The reason for the blast is reported to be ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material, which was stored in the port. Ammonium nitrate is used as a fertiliser in agriculture and as an explosive. The blast was also felt 240km away on the island of Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean. People there thought it was an earthquake. However, the PM clarified that they are currently looking at handling casualties. Investigation is under way to find the exact trigger which caused the explosion.

Meanwhile, people from across the globe stood up in solidarity with Beirut. #PrayForBeirut and #PrayForLebanon were the top trends on Twitter. On other news, here are 10 COVID-Free Countries Across The World.

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa Lights Up In Solidarity With Lebanon

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, offered his condolences to the people of Lebanon. Besides, the ruler also sent 30 tonnes of emergency aid to the healthcare facilities in Beirut. In addition, Lebanese Prime Minister Declared National Day Of Mourning on 5 August. 

In solidarity with the victims, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was lit up with the colours of the Lebanon flag. The official handle of Burj Khalifa shared on Twitter: “Burj Khalifa lights up in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Lebanon.” On that note, here are Top 5 Architectural Wonders That Adorn The Dubai Skyline.

Besides, the Pyramid of Giza also illuminated in support for Beirut.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to express his grief. “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”, Modi tweeted.