The world stands in solidarity with Beirut

Our readers have their say on the explosion in Lebanon, going to school and the Barakah power plant

An aerial view shows the massive damage done to Beirut port's grain silos (C) and the area around it on August 5, 2020, one day after a mega-blast tore through the harbour in the heart of the Lebanese capital with the force of an earthquake, killing more than 100 people and injuring over 4,000. Rescuers searched for survivors in Beirut in the morning after a cataclysmic explosion at the port sowed devastation across entire neighbourhoods, killing more than 100 people, wounding thousands and plunging Lebanon deeper into crisis. / AFP / -

The damage done to Beirut port's grain silos and the area around it, after a mega-blast tore through the harbour in the heart of the Lebanese capital, killing more than 100 people and injuring over 4,000, August 5. AFP

With reference to Beirut live: At least 100 dead and 4,000 injured in Lebanon blast (August 4): that explosion was massive. It almost looked like a nuke. Peace to you all in Lebanon. We send prayers from Canada.

Pete Leclair, Toronto, Canada

I feel sorry for this country and its people that have gone through so much suffering.

Ali Kaaliie, Cape Town, South Africa

This is my beloved city.

Chantal Chaftary Abi Assal, Abu Dhabi

Pray for us and please look to help our devastated country and people.

Nada Awad Rizkallah, Beirut, Lebanon

The videos of that mushroom cloud are horrific. Lebanon and the people of Lebanon desperately need a break from this agony.

Grace Boutros Janho, Dubai

Sending prayers and good wishes from Pakistan. We stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon.
Hafiz Muhammad Ali, Islamabad, Pakistan

The whole world is fighting to contain the spread of coronavirus and this explosion has added to the sufferings of the country.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman

I have never seen anything like that explosion in my life and I hope never to see it again. My heart breaks for Lebanon.

Trina Mole, Florida, US

Schools are right to give parents the option

With reference to Gillian Duncan's report Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi to keep distance learning as an option after calls from parents (August 4): this option is a good thing. If parents would like to go for blended learning, they have that option too. I am happy to have the choice because my daughter has a weak immune system and I don't like the idea of having the children wear masks for too long.

Nisha Subramanian, Abu Dhabi

Have parents who want to continue to teach their children from home had them out of class since March? And will they keep them at home until all restrictions are lifted?

I agree those with medical conditions should continue with distance learning and teach from home, but others should go back.

Fatma Shabanova, Abu Dhabi

The new Barakah power plant is a milestone

I write to you in reference to Barakah signals a new era of nuclear power in the Middle East (August 3): The National editorial rightly pointed out that this project not only heralds a new era but will also provide employment across sectors. The UAE has created a revolution over the decades and this project is one more milestone in its journey.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India