OFWs in Beirut call for help, assure families after twin blasts

Of 135 dead and thousands injured, 4 Filipinos were killed and 31 more injured after 2 enormous explosions rocked the city of Beirut last Tuesday, August 4. 

The cause of the explosions was linked to the storage of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, a compound often used in fertilizers and explosives. (READ: Ammonium nitrate: A fertilizer under scrutiny)

Lebanese General Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim said that the “highly explosive material” had been confiscated years earlier, but was stored in the warehouse near Beirut’s shopping and nightlife districts.

Online footage showed areas of near-complete devastation, with entire storefronts destroyed, cars wrecked, and survivors completely drenched with their own blood. 

A call for help

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region turned to social media to air their concerns and appeals to the Philippine embassy in Lebanon. (FAST FACTS: Overseas Filipino workers in Lebanon)

Ursula Guira, a Filipino household helper in Lebanon, sustained multiple wounds in the head after the recent explosion.

In a Facebook video posted on Wednesday, August 5, Guira said she was unable to go to the hospital due to the influx of patients also seeking medical help. 

She called the attention of the Philippine embassy in Lebanon to assist her return to the Philippines. (READ: Lebanon’s leaders face rage, reform calls after blast disaster)

“Gusto ko lang po ngayon is makauwi. Ang nangyari ngayon siguro first attempt, ‘di natin sure. Ayoko i-risk ang buhay ko,” Guira said.

(All I want now is to go home. What happened now may have been the first attempt, we’re not sure. I don’t want to risk my life.)

Grateful to be alive

Domestic worker Azariah Talabi also shared how the blasts affected the house she worked in. Photos show shattered panels and a partially collapsed roof, as well as an injury she sustained to her knee.

Talabi was in her room when she felt the explosion. “Na-feel ko nawawasak na yung buong building. Takot na takot po ako kasi akala ko lang earthquake nang biglang sundan ng malakas na pagsabog,” she said.

(I felt like the building was going to collapse. I was really afraid because I thought it was just an earthquake until an explosion followed,)

Talabi could not recall how she got injured during the incident because of how quickly everything happened. 

“Akala ko mamamatay ako dahil kitang-kita ko kung paano nawasak lahat ng gamit [at] salamin sa bahay…. Sa awa ng Diyos, sugat lang po sa tuhod [yung] natamo ko. ”

(I thought I was about to die because I could clearly see how the items and glassware at home got destroyed…. By God’s mercy, I only got a cut on my knee.)

In a Facebook post, Talabi thanked everyone who wished her well and hoped that she along with other OFWs can get home soon. 

“Sana maka-uwi na kami soon kasi hindi natin alam ano pang susunod. Mahirap ang sitwasyon dito. Hindi lang [COVID-19] ang kalaban ng Lebanon, nandiyan [din] ang crisis at pagsabog. Laban lang, Lebanon. Makakaahon ka rin,” she said.

(I hope we can return home soon because we’re unsure of what will happen next. The situation here is very difficult. It’s not just [COVID-19] Lebanon is battling, the crisis and explosion are there, too. Keep on fighting, Lebanon, you will get through this.)

The Philippine embassy requested Filipinos to contact them if they need assistance following the Lebanon blasts. The embassy provided the following Lebanon-based hotlines: 03859430, 70858086, 81334836, 71474416, and 70681060. – with reports from Matthew Yuching, Tommie Claravall, Venice Nieva/Rappler.com