Canada to provide Lebanon with $5 million in humanitarian aid following deadly explosions

Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a tweet on Wednesday that Canada is “providing an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance for the people of Lebanon.”

Video and images of the aftermath show shattered windows, crumbling buildings and crushed cars. A number of fires were also scattered along the port after the initial blasts which left thousands injured, reports Global News.

The explosion took place shortly after 6 p.m. close to Beirut’s central district and port.

Champagne noted that Lebanon Red Cross will be given $1.5 million to cover shelter, food and emergency medical service needs. He also said Canada will “continue to monitor the situation on the ground closely.”

The cause of the blasts is still unknown, though authorities have suggested the first blast might have taken place in a warehouse containing fireworks. The second reportedly took place at a warehouse with roughly 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in it.

Beirut has now been placed under a state of emergency for two weeks as an investigation is carried out.

Heather McPherson, the New Democrat international development critic says aid is “gravely needed” in Beirut.

“Going forward, the Lebanese people will require significant international support and Canada must be there to help,” reads an emailed statement from McPherson.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Prime Minister Trudeau referred to the news as “absolutely tragic.”

“Canadians are thinking of everyone who has been injured and all those who are trying to locate a friend or family member or have lost a loved one,” Trudeau wrote. “We’re keeping you in our thoughts and we stand ready to assist in any way we can.”

Global Affairs Canada reported that consular assistance has been requested by one Canadian in Lebanon. The blasts also injured one Canadian military member.