Egypt has sent the second batch of aid to Lebanon under an air bridge operated to provide emergency assistance to the heavily burdened country after Beirut’s deadly explosion
Egypt delivered to Beirut 14 tonnes of aid, including food and flour, amid new wheat woes after the deadly explosion destroyed the largest grain storage in the country already battling with an economic crisis and rising coronavirus cases.
The air bridge, instructed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aims to deliver medical aid, food, specialised medical teams, and construction materials and glass panels for reconstruction.
A massive blast at the city’s port on Tuesday damaged buildings across the capital and sent a giant mushroom cloud into the sky.
Lebanese officials said the explosion was caused by ammonium nitrate, 2,750 tons of which had been stored in a warehouse at the port for six years after being confiscated from a ship.
The explosion killed at least 158 people and injured around 5,000, according to data released by Lebanon’s health ministry.
Egypt has taken several steps to provide assistance to Lebanon, including sending a planeload of medical supplies to Beirut on Wednesday.
An Egyptian field hospital in Beirut is also providing aid to victims of the blast.
