Location: Beirut
Event: According to media reports, sensors at the silos damaged by the Port of Beirut blast indicate that the structure is tilting at an increasing rate and can collapse at any time. It the event of a collapse, dust consisting of construction waste and fungus from rotting grains likely will be dispersed. The area around the site could be affected by dense amounts of dust in the air. Likely affected areas include downtown Beirut, Karantina, Jeitaoui, and Mar Mitr.
Actions to Take:
- Those indoors in affected areas should close windows and external doors and remain indoors until the dust settles.
- If outside during a collapse, wear a high effectiveness mask such as a KN95, and head to a closed, indoor space until the dust settles.
- If not already in the area at the time of collapse, avoid the area.
- More detailed information from the Lebanese government can be found at http://pcm.gov.lb/arabic/subpg.aspx?pageid=21832.
ASSISTANCE:
U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
+961-4-542600 or +961-4-543600
BeirutACS@state.gov
https://lb.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
For further detailed information regarding travel and security in Lebanon:
- Visit the State Department’s travel website Travel.state.gov to review the Lebanon Travel Advisory, Country-Specific Information for Lebanon, and the Worldwide Caution.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security updates and make it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Beirut on Twitter and Facebook
