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PORT OF BEIRUT

Ministries issue instructions in case port silos collapse

Ministries issue instructions in case port silos collapse

Beirut port's grain silos as they look in the wake of the August 4, 2020 blast. (Photo: Dia Mrad)

BEIRUT — The Environment and Health Ministries gave on Monday some instructions and warnings for those living around the Port of Beirut, as some parts of the damaged grain silos there are at risk of collapsing.

Here’s what we know:

    • In a statement, the two ministries said that “in the case of any collapse or a partial fall [of the silos], dust that is the result of construction leftovers and some fungus from rotten grains will be released and will spread in the air.”

    • The statement also said that according to experts, there is no proof of the existence of asbestos or any other poisonous gas. “It’s very likely that the area surrounding the port [500 meters radius] and the area inside the port borders will likely be affected by a huge amount of dust in the air and should be evacuated immediately in case this happens.”

    • The two ministries also said in their statement that the area that is 500 to 1500 meters away from the port which includes Downtown Beirut, Geitawi, Karantina, Mar Mitr will be affected by a limited amount of dust for up to 24 hours.

    • People who work and live in the area should close their windows, the statement said, adding that the Health Ministry will work on supplying people close to the port with masks.

    • The people present outside of buildings should wear a KN95 mask during the first two hours of a collapse until reaching a closed space, the two ministries also said.

    • Fires have repeatedly erupted at the port silos in recent days. Experts believe this is because of high temperatures, which are causing the grain still at the silos to ignite. On March 16, the cabinet agreed to demolish the silos amid fears that they might be on the verge of collapse. On the agenda for Tuesday’s Parliament session is a draft law to make the silos a national monument to commemorate the victims of the Aug. 4, 2020, explosion, and make it illegal for the silos to be destroyed.

BEIRUT — The Environment and Health Ministries gave on Monday some instructions and warnings for those living around the Port of Beirut, as some parts of the damaged grain silos there are at risk of collapsing.Here’s what we know:    • In a statement, the two ministries said that “in the case of any collapse or a partial fall [of the silos], dust that is the result of...