A fire broke out two weeks ago as a result of the fermentation of remaining wheat stocks which could never be removed from the infrastructure due to the danger.
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A cloud of dust covered the port. Damaged grain silos collapsed in Beirut on Sunday July 31 following a fire. Army helicopters immediately flew over the area to drop water and attempt to completely extinguish the fire in the structure. “Two other towers are in danger of collapsing”, said Public Works Minister Ali Hamiyé. This event comes four days before the second anniversary of the devastating explosion in the port of the Lebanese capital.
A collapse that revives many traumas in the #Lebanon
Huge grain silos have collapsed in the port of Beirut
The story of @DanielleKadjohttps://t.co/M5bMth60Z6 pic.twitter.com/EcfN6gEmK1
— Radio-Canada Info (@RadioCanadaInfo) July 31, 2022
More than two weeks ago, a fire broke out in the most damaged part of the silos, caused according to the authorities and experts by the fermentation of the remaining grain stocks, combined with high temperatures. The fire rekindled the trauma of relatives of victims of the August 4, 2020 explosion, left more than 200 dead and 6,500 injured and devastated entire neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital.
After the fire, Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that part of the silos were in danger of collapsing and called on the military and the Disaster Management Directorate to be “on alert”. Parts of the silos still contain some 3,000 tonnes of wheat and other grains that could not be removed due to the danger of collapse, authorities said.
The ministries of environment and health have issued recommendations for the public in the event of silo collapses, including the need to evacuate the area, wear masks and close windows. Lebanon had ordered the demolition of the silos in April, but the decision was suspended due to opposition from relatives of the victims of the tragedy who want to make it a place of memory.