Lebanese Offer Free Shelters in the Wake of Beirut Blast

• The Lebanese open their doors to the displaced people affected by the horrifying Beirut explosion on Tuesday.
• Using #OurHomesAreOpen on social media, people with spare beds or rooms are helping provide shelter for the victims.
• Many offer free transportation to bring them there as well.
• ThawraMap or Revolution Map also shares the list of available shelters, along with a map of the locations.

Lives and properties were instantly lost due to the catastrophic explosions that ripped Beirut and shocked the rest of the world on Tuesday evening. The magnitude of its effect were evidently severe—homes and buildings were either on fire or left in rubbles.

Within hours after the massive blasts, “Open Houses Lebanon” became an active channel on Instagram for the victims. The page contains relevant information, such as addresses and contact numbers, that those rendered homeless by the incident can get in touch with and stay.

Additionally, the page posted details about emergency veterinary clinics that can help pets that sustained injuries from the blast, according to The Guardian.

Also, using #OurHomesAreOpen on social media, many have reached out to the victims who lost their homes due to the catastrophy.

Posted in English and Arabic, they offer help via Twitter and Instagram.

As of this reporting, there are already over 100 locations available; including hotels, monasteries, and schools. Some owners also provide food for the displaced.

The founder of ThawraMap or Revolution Map also shares its list of shelters on social media sites. This platform was previously used to identify protest locations.

Wajih Chbat, a hotel owner in Bcharre, told DW that people call him to voluntarily transport victims to his hotel. Chbat has opened his doors to the displaced as well.

In the interview he said, “A guy called me and said, ‘I saw your number, I don’t need help, but I have my car and I’m ready to bring anyone to your place for free.'”

As 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in Beirut, the explosions resulted in the death of 154 people and injured 6,000.

Approximately 250,000 people lost their homes and properties, leaving them also without food and clothing. Experts say the damages are probably worth as much £11.5billion.