Beirut blasts: Lebanese envoy to UAE thrown off feet, home damaged

Dubai - His 14-year-old son's friend suffered minor injuries and was treated at the hospital.

The Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Dandan, was at his home in Beirut when two explosions rocked the city on Tuesday. Such was the magnitude of the blasts that the diplomat and those at his home were thrown "back inside". His home was damaged in the blasts, but ambassador Dandan did not suffer any injuries, he told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
"My home is very close to the port area. It is just three blocks away. At first, we thought it was an earthquake. We had guests at the time," he said.
His 14-year-old son's friend suffered minor injuries and was treated at the hospital.
Apart from the damage to his home, the envoy and his family are fine. "I thank God that we are all fine. The material damage can be repaired."
Ambassador Dandan became emotional as he referred to the victims of the blasts. He said he was praying for all the affected families.
Referring to the UAE dispatching an emergency aid of medical supplies to Lebanon, he said: "We are thankful for the great and special humanitarian gesture by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."
He also expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his solidarity with Lebanon and its people.
"As we speak, there is a flight carrying tonnes of urgent medical aid that will be leaving for Lebanon. Other flights will also be carrying urgent medical supplies later," ambassador Dandan said.
mary@khaleejtimes.com 

• MENA