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

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.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.

The before and after of #Beirut port. No words... dozens of firefighters were on site when the explosion happened... #Lebanonpic.twitter.com/ySbkwiZ1GT

— Abir Ghattas (@AbirGhattas) August 5, 2020

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.

my heart is aching looking at these photos in Beirut. I have read from a lot of people that petitions aren’t effective and donations can result in a dramatic exchange decrease. Can someone share with me direct information about how we can help most effectively and immediately?

— h (@halsey) August 4, 2020

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.

my heart, strength and condolences are with Lebanon and everyone affected by this tragedy.please support / donate if you’re able to, i will be doing so too. https://t.co/8ACJFzxl69

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 4, 2020

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.

 

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Today two explosions devastated the capital of the already hurting Lebanon. 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. Hoy dos explosiones devastaron la capital del ya lastimado Líbano. Mi corazón roto está con todas las personas que han perdido seres queridos y que están en las áreas afectadas de mi amado Beirut.

A post shared by Salma Hayek Pinault (@salmahayek) on Aug 4, 2020 at 3:09pm PDT

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.

A pandemic, political unrest and now 300,000 people left homeless due to the blast. Beirut needs global support. https://t.co/gbRwgRbsLI pic.twitter.com/R78IB2Xrzn

— Jameela Jamil ? (@jameelajamil) August 5, 2020

Actor Mandy Moore shared an article written by New York Times' journalist Vivian Yee, who was in Beirut with the explosion occurred.

Tears. I can not fathom what it took to write this hours after living through this trauma. My heart is with Beirut and all affected by this horrific tragedy. https://t.co/E2ZFp3o5GV

— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) August 5, 2020

Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton highlighted reports coming out of Beirut crediting the fast organization of people near the explosion with saving countless lives.

My heart goes out to Beirut and the Lebanese people as they grieve and heal after yesterday's devastating explosion. In the aftermath, strangers helped strangers bind wounds, find families, and calm children. I'm wishing you peace and community in the days ahead.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 5, 2020

Senator Elizabeth Warren called on the U.S. to support the people of Lebanon in their time of need.

My heart goes out to the victims of the horrific explosion in Beirut and their loved ones. The US should rally the international community to help the Lebanese people overcome this tragedy and urgently address the country’s economic collapse and overburdened health system.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) August 5, 2020

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.

 

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My thoughts, prayers and love go out to the people of Lebanon and their families ?? ???#Beirut #LinkInBio ( my memories of downtown of how I will remember it )

A post shared by Naomi Campbell (@naomi) on Aug 4, 2020 at 5:08pm PDT

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.”

This is awful. Absolutely devastating. Sending all my love and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. #Beirut ?? https://t.co/xNVA3KLWRC

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) August 4, 2020

Singer Ricky Martin, who has visited Beirut as part of his work as a UNICEF Ambassador, also posted about the devastating explosion.

Beirut, my thoughts and prayers are with you. ??

— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 4, 2020

Comedian Amy Schumer kept her message simple, sending her love to the people of Beirut.

 

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#beirut

A post shared by @ amyschumer on Aug 4, 2020 at 7:51pm PDT