Also, the ammonium nitrate burned so fast that there was not enough material left to spread extensive fires.
Your son is right about wood as well. It is true across the Middle East. Everything is stone, concrete and iron frames. Not only does construction contain little or no wood, but also the internal structures. Floors and ceilings are also stone and concrete, there are no wooden floors or walls, and even carpeting is not common.
Wood for construction would have to be imported from Europe, making it really expensive. In Israel, burial is almost never done in coffins, for that reason.
@MaineLonghorn : SO glad to hear your son and GF are OK. I thought of you immediately when I heard the news, but since we had no power for days, I couldn’t post or send a PM. Delighted to hear he’s OK, and loved the interview.
Thanks, @VeryHappy. My hairstylist called while ago to check on him. She also lost power and didn’t hear the news about Beirut until this morning. It’s touching that so many people care about someone they’ve never met! I told Son that a lot of people all of the world are thinking of him.
@bookworm, thanks. The radio station replayed the interview this morning. DH said, “He sounds so ‘on.’ I remember when I read ‘Go, Dog, Go’ with him!”
I asked if he could send photos, but he said he would feel funny, a white guy taking pictures of other people’s struggles. He really is thoughtful.
I do feel this situation is not getting enough attention in the news. My thoughts are with everyone there, may they be receive help for their struggles.
Thanks, @abasket. Yes, I’m kind of surprised at the lack of coverage, also. In context, it’s even a bigger disaster than it would be otherwise. The country was already at the edge of collapse, literally. If the region destabilizes, it will be really, really bad for the entire world.
Hmm… its seems to be on al the national morning and nightly news stations. The blast looks like a mushroom cloud! They also interviewed some other Americans and the bride who was in the middle of taking photos when the blast occurred. And they interviewed the dad of one of the newborns. The photo of the nurse holding 3 newborns was so heartwarming. Hope amongst the ruins.