At least two Filipinos were killed and six were injured following massive twin explosions that tore through the Lebanese capital of Beirut yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed this morning.
All eight Filipino workers were in their employers’ homes during the explosions, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ed Menez told reporters.
Menez said the Philippine Embassy in Beirut continues to monitor the developing situation, and is ready to extend help to some 33,000 Pinoy workers living in Lebanon, 75% of whom are in the Greater Beirut Area.
Read: Filipino ambassador to Lebanon dies from COVID-19 complications
Reports say that highly explosive ammonium nitrate stored in port warehouses triggered the explosion which has killed at least 78 people and wounded nearly 4,000. The massive blast had triggered shockwaves, flipping cars, shattering windows, and even registering a 3.3 magnitude quake as the ground shook across the capital.
Lebanese authorities say the death toll is expected to climb as emergency responders sift through the rubble to remove the dead and rescue casualties.
Filipinos in need of assistance can reach the Philippine Embassy in Beirut through +961 3859430, +961 81334836, +961 71474416, +961 70681060 and +961 70858086, email them at beirutpe@gmail.com, or send a message on their Facebook page.
Thinking of our brothers and sisters in Lebanon 🙏🏻🥺 #PrayForLebanon https://t.co/UxlBEO9SQQ
— Kimpoy Feliciano (@kimpoyfeliciano) August 5, 2020
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