The cultural agency within the United Nations is warning that about 60 historical buildings in Beirut are at risk of collapsing after the massive explosion that rocked the city.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization said Thursday that it will work to help restore and recover the history that was damaged when the blast struck Lebanon’s capital earlier in August. The explosion, which killed nearly 180, wounded more than 6,000 and left between 250,000 and 300,000 people homeless.
The damaged buildings, many in the Gemayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods, include museums, art galleries, and other historic sites, according to the Associated Press. In a statement, UNESCO quoted Sarkis Khoury, the director-general of antiquities at the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, in saying that there are about 60 historic buildings in the region of the blast that are in danger of falling apart.
Assistant UNESCO Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez highlighted the importance of preserving the history of the area in the wake of the tragedy.
“The international community has sent a strong signal of support to Lebanon following this tragedy,” Ottone said. “UNESCO is committed to leading the response in the field of culture, which must form a key part of wider reconstruction and recovery efforts.”
The exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated. But it is believed that about 3,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate were poorly stored at the Port of Beirut for years and ended up exploding. The FBI announced on Thursday that it had joined the inquiry into the origins of the blast.
“At the request of the Government of Lebanon, the FBI will be providing our Lebanese partners investigative assistance in their investigation into the explosions at the Port of Beirut on August 4th. As this is not an FBI investigation,” an FBI spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.
The blast has also further fueled discontent within Lebanon, which has been marked by protests against the government for its perceived mismanagement and incompetence. Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced on Monday that he and his entire Cabinet were resigning amid the protests.
