Lebanon Opens Airspace, Ports to help rescuing Syria against earthquakes
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Lebanese government announced on Tuesday the opening of the Lebanese airspace and seaports to facilitate arrival of aid and rescue teams to Syria.
This move came following the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.
The death toll of devastating earthquakes in Syria has reached 1.805 and 3.955 were injured, according to North Press’ Monitoring and Documentation Department.
In Turkey, the deaths have mounted to 3.381 and injuries to 20.426, according the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
Hundreds are believed to still be trapped under the rubble of thousands of the collapsed buildings in both countries.
The Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport in Lebanon’s caretaker government, Ali Hamieh, told Syrian radio station Sham FM that after consulting the prime minister the airspace would be open.
Hamieh pointed out that Beirut Airport is open to planes carrying aid, affirming exemption from fees and taxes.
“This is the least that we can do for the Syrian people,” he said.
“Our airport is open to the Syrian people. The people of Lebanon will stand with Syria even if we have to share our capabilities with the Syrian people who have stood by everyone throughout history,” he added.
The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants stated on Monday their readiness to provide assistance and aid to Syria in facing the aftermath of the earthquake.