Nova Scotia to provide $1M to Lebanese Red Cross after Beirut explosion

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia says it will give $1 million to the Lebanese Red Cross in support of those affected by the Beirut explosion.

Premier Stephen McNeil said Aug. 7 in a news release the Lebanese community has deep roots in the province, adding Nova Scotians are keeping the people of Lebanon in their thoughts.

The province says Ottawa is contributing up to $5 million in humanitarian aid, including $1.5 million to the Lebanese Red Cross for emergency medical services, shelter and food.

It says United Nations agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon following the devastating explosion at a portside warehouse on Aug. 4.

The blast was reportedly caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used for explosives and as a fertilizer, which had been stored at the port.

Search and rescue teams from several countries have been sent to Beirut, where dozens of people are still missing.