Banks to close Aug. 4 in observance of the port explosion commemoration

BEIRUT — The Association of Banks in Lebanon announced on Friday the closure of banking institutions next Thursday, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the explosion at the port of Beirut on Aug.4.

Here’s what we know:

   • On Thursday, the caretaker government declared Aug. 4, a day of national mourning, and announced the closure of public administrations and municipalities on that day. Flags will be lowered at public administrations, public institutions, and municipalities.

   • The explosion, which was triggered by a fire in a warehouse housing hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate stored without precautions, left more than 200 dead and thousands injured and devastated entire neighborhoods, leaving tens of thousands people at least temporarily homeless.