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Motion · S5M-22397 · 10 Aug 2020

Horrific Explosion in Beirut, Lebanon

Lodged by Kenneth Gibson (No Party Affiliation) Standard Motion 16 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament feels deep sympathy for the people of Lebanon, following the devastating explosion in the capital of Beirut on 4 August 2020; understands that the disaster was preceded by a large fire at the Port of Beirut, on the city's northern Mediterranean coast, and that shortly after 6.00pm local time, the roof of the warehouse caught alight and there was a large initial explosion, followed by a series of smaller ones before a colossal explosion that sent a mushroom cloud into the air and a supersonic blast wave radiating through the city; notes that the blast wave, believed to be caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at a warehouse in the port, levelled buildings nearby and caused extensive damage over much of the rest of the capital, meaning that as many as 300,000 people have been made temporarily homeless and that collective losses might reach as high as £8 to £11 billion; recognises that more than 200 people are believed to have been killed by the devastating explosion, and around 5,000 injured, with the count tragically still rising, and urges the Scottish and UK governments and the wider international community to offer direct aid to the stricken country.

Supporters (16)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.