Lebanon explosion: Dubai airlifts more medical aid to Beirut

Another batch of medical aid for Lebanon was airlifted from Dubai on Wednesday to support emergency relief efforts in Beirut, with the approval of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

An Emirates SkyCargo plane left the emirate carrying 24.88 metric tonnes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment, including surgical masks, goggles, gowns, coveralls, N95 respirators, stretchers and thermometers. Valued at over US$1.4 million, this aid had been prepositioned within International Humanitarian City (IHC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This was the second cargo of medical aid that the UAE airlifted to Beirut, with the first one dispatched on August 5, a day after the massive explosion rocked the city - killing more than 160 people and leaving some 300,000 homeless.

"Based upon the needs identified by our medical staff in Lebanon, we are dispatching additional medical supplies that are critically needed to treat those impacted by the blast and simultaneously protect healthcare workers treating patients during the pandemic," said Robert Blanchard from the WHO's logistics hub in Dubai.

"Responding to an emergency within an emergency, WHO is grateful for the support received from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Government of the UAE, Dubai's IHC and Emirates Sky Cargo to facilitate the rapid response to the people of Lebanon."

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the IHC, highlighted the urgency of the aid, saying: "Due to the devastation caused by the deadly blasts in Beirut last week, with the death toll rising to at least 150 people and more than 5,000 have been injured requiring the humanitarian community's urgent assistance. This second flight to Lebanon demonstrates the capacity of the IHC's community in responding to emergencies and to help those most in need at such a challenging time".