Following the horrific explosion that rocked the Lebanese capital yesterday, photos and videos of the wreckage and victims have been widely shared across social media platforms by people lucky enough to survive the blast; including ones that highlighted prompt reactions of individuals who quickly hurried to rescue the most vulnerable, especially kids.
Migrant worker grabs toddler and saves her from shattered glass and windows as the second big explosion erupted in Beirut earlier today. She did not even think. Migrant workers deserve better in #Lebanon - this woman is a hero. pic.twitter.com/BKnEUl7D7J
— Luna Safwan - لونا صفوان (@LunaSafwan) August 4, 2020
Despite the all-year-long debate over the need for better human and labor rights for foreign domestic workers in Lebanon, a migrant worker, who appeared on tape as she picked up a toddler away from shuttering windows within seconds, was hailed online as soon as the video went viral.
It’s a shame that many of these same domestic workers are denied basic human rights and dignity in lebanon. People will feel comfortable calling her a hero but aren’t bothered by the modern-day slavery that is kafala. https://t.co/2RzYPGrvX1
— a.niyo (@_rushenyi) August 5, 2020
Several tweets praised the woman for her selfless immediate action and renewed calls for a more humane approach to be followed with domestic workers in the future.
Similarly, a photo featuring a nurse holding three newly born babies while answering a phone call by the hospital's reception generated hundreds of posts that applauded the young woman's obliging attitude during the emergency.
I had tough day covering #Lebanon today. Seeing civilians and the beautiful #Beirut devastated and destroyed broke my heart. But there are always heroes.
— Razan Ibraheem (@RazanIbraheem_) August 4, 2020
This hero nurse rushed to protect these three new born babies and gave them a new life.
Photo credit : Bilal Jawich pic.twitter.com/lMQD3kieTp
Moreover, a father dubbed as a 'super hero' received online salutes after a video showed him holding his young son moments after the first, relatively minor, blast went off, instructing him to hide under the table as the huge explosion rocked Beirut.
Offering help to hundreds of families that lost their houses due to the blast, social media users widely shared invitations, made by owners of hotels and apartments to the victims, so they can stay there safely and for free until their houses are repaired.
Imagine driving in #Beirut #Lebanon ?? and seeing this in front of you ?#LebanonExplostion #BeirutBlast #BeirutExplosion pic.twitter.com/8J5bZFLhsq
— Aldo ????⚽️ (@Aldo_Giammusso) August 4, 2020
A map of the impact of the explosion today in #Beirut. #BeirutBlast #PrayForLebanon pic.twitter.com/D3hk77NcLh
— Today In History (@HistoryCalendar) August 4, 2020
Unimpacted schools were also opened for families looking for a safe refuge a few hours after the incident that affected buildings as far as 7 kilometers from the explosion site at Beirut port.
A father doing his absolute best to protect his son from the explosion in Beirut..
— 2020 Predictions (@2020concepts) August 4, 2020
Pray for Lebanon ?pic.twitter.com/c1Sfm8zvTs
The internet continues to flood with prayers and concerned words expressing sympathy and solidarity with the Lebanese people as they struggle following the port explosion which resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
I can’t imagine the distress of being trapped knowing death could be right around your corner, struggling to find a way to protect your child. Prayers for this man and the people of Lebanon
— COG (@CartoonOGiF) August 4, 2020