How can Bambi go to sleep without highlighting the fourth anniversary of the surrealistic Beirut port explosion that hit too close to home? Today, she thought of all those who lost their lives on this doomed day, including children and youth, and those who survived.
Of course, Bambi’s heart went to her dear childhood friend Maya who went through hell, over the years, because of a leg injury. Bambi also thought of her niece and brother-in-law who were injured as well as her (late) mom and dad who MIRACULOUSLY survived, despite the massive destruction of their apartment as well as the damage of their store.
Of note, the Beirut port human-made tragedy is one of the biggest non-nuclear blasts of the world and it is STILL without justice. Sadly, it resulted in 220+ deaths, 7500 injuries (some of whom are still in the coma), 800 regular floor admissions as well as 130 intensive care unit admissions (https://shorturl.at/E9X1u), 300, 000 instant homeless people, 150+ permanent disabilities, over 3/4 of massive destruction of Lebanon’s capital, total destruction of 4 hospitals, and US$15, 000, 000, 000 worth of damage. Of course, there is also collective trauma, which has dramatically impacted Beirutis. Many of whom migrated around the world, including Canada.
According to L’Orient Today (https://shorturl.at/iiXv6), “even today, the number of lives lost to the Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion remains a matter of confusion. Is it 218, 220, 235, or even more? Three years have now passed since the tragedy, and no official figure has been provided by the authorities. As a precaution, the victims are often numbered at over 220. However, local associations and international NGOs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch now agree on a more precise number: 235“.
Thanks to This is Beirut for the brief video shared below. Its content is in English and French (with English sub-titles). This video is followed by a beautiful part of a patriotic song performed by the talented Ms. Carla Chamoun.
Last but not least, Bambi continues to stand in full solidarity with the families of the victims, with Beirut, and with the courageous Judge Tarek Bitar!
really, really tragic. you should know the world remembers, and even my medical podcast I listen to monthly had a whole segment this week devoted to it, interviewing 2 doctors and a nurse who worked that day in Beruit to care for victims
Many thanks Dr. D’Souza for your very thoughtful comment about Beirut and its victims. Bambi welcomes you on the blog, as a reader in addition to the faithful friend, and soon as a guest. Yes, she is EAGER to interviewing you about your great forthcoming book. Until then, please keep up your humanity as well as your inspiring work with patients and their families.