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Jameela Jamil, Halsey, Salma Hayek, more share love and resources after explosion in Beirut

The explosion happened August 4 by the port of Lebanon's capital.
August 5, 2020 3:26 p.m. EST
August 8, 2020 12:00 a.m. EST
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On Tuesday, a catastrophic blast ripped through Beirut, Lebanon, leaving approximately 100 people dead in its wake and more than 4,000 wounded. The explosion took place in a warehouse near Beirut’s port, where 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate were being stored. Used as a fertilizer, the nitrate had been in the warehouse for six years, with new reports alleging that officials knew about the dangerous contents and did nothing to protect its citizens. The explosion, which could be felt up to 10 km away, has left more than 300,000 people without homes.Videos from around Beirut show the massive reach of the explosion. In one clip shared by Reuters, a bride proudly poses in the street on her wedding day only seconds before the explosion broke store windows behind her.[video_embed id='2007996']Lebanon to reveal more about the cause of the explosion [/video_embed]Shocking footage showing the aftermath of the explosion has been circulating on social media, including this image of the Beirut port, which provides a side by side of the area before and after the explosion. Already facing a massive financial crisis and high rates of poverty and houselessness, the people of Lebanon were sent further into economic and health uncertainty with the recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with this week’s explosion in the country's capital, hundreds of thousands of Beirut residents are even more vulnerable. Some celebrities have been raising awareness about sending aid to those affected by the explosion, including Halsey, who asked followers to share resources with her. Ariana Grande pledged to donate to Impact Lebanon’s Just Giving Crowfunding page, which is raising money for those affected by the blast. The nonprofit organization is working with first responders and other charities to determine where and how to provide the donated funds. The Lebanese Red Cross is urging people to donate blood, which is in short supply as the number of injured continues to rise. They’ve also redirected ambulances to Beirut and helped establish triage centers around the city. The Red Cross is accepting online donations to help fund medical treatments. Save The Children, which has been working in Lebanon for years, is also accepting donations that will help provide essential services to children and their families who have been injured or lost their homes in the explosion. Salma Hayek, who is of Lebanese descent through her grandfather, shared a video of the explosion, writing “My broken heart goes out to all the people who have lost loved ones and who are in the affected areas of my beloved Beirut.” Hayek spoke at length about her connections to her Lebanese roots when she produced and starred in the animated adaption of Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, an artistic and political film set in the country during the Ottoman Empire.
Jameela Jamil shared a list of charities and organizations to follow and support as well as simple-to-understand infographics created by news and activism group, The Slacktivists, explaining what happened Tuesday and how it connects to Lebanon's ongoing health, political and economic crises. Actor Mandy Moore shared an article written by New York Times' journalist Vivian Yee, who was in Beirut with the explosion occurred. Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton highlighted reports coming out of Beirut crediting the fast organization of people near the explosion with saving countless lives. Senator Elizabeth Warren called on the U.S. to support the people of Lebanon in their time of need. Model Naomi Campbell shared pictures from a photoshoot in Beirut and updated her Instagram page with a link to a list of places people can donate.
Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a BBC article about the explosion, tweeting “This is awful. Absolutely devastating. Sending all my love and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy.” Singer Ricky Martin, who has visited Beirut as part of his work as a UNICEF Ambassador, also posted about the devastating explosion. Comedian Amy Schumer kept her message simple, sending her love to the people of Beirut.
 
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[video_embed id='2008182']Video shows wedding photoshoot stopped by Beirut explosion (Warning loud video) [/video_embed]

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