BEIRUT, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for the protection of Lebanon's children particularly amid the escalating fuel crisis, which is exerting a detrimental impact on their lives.
"Hazardous materials should be stored and managed in safe conditions while ensuring that people, including children, are not exposed to such threats to their lives," the UNICEF said in a statement following the fuel tank explosion a day earlier affecting three children.
The fuel tank explosion, which took place in the northern district of Akkar, killed 28 people and injured 79. One child was killed, one went missing, and another one was injured.
"The tragedy leaves many children grieving the loss of a parent or a sibling," the UNICEF added.
In its statement, the UNICEF urged the Lebanon's caretaker government to take action to ensure that children and all people are protected at all times and that basic services are accessible to every child and their family.
It added that the UNICEF is providing emergency support to Geitawi and Rahhal hospitals by delivering essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) items including surgical masks, gowns and other supplies to support with the medical response to treat the injured. Enditem
