Lebanon: Canada adds $ 25 million in aid

Canada's aid to the Lebanese population after the devastating double explosion in the port of Beirut, will increase from 5 to 30 million Canadian dollars (19 million euros), announced Monday evening the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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This money will be paid to " trusted partners " and will aim to " meet the immediate needs of the population, " he said in a statement.

Mr. Trudeau also announced that Ottawa is committed to matching donations from individuals to the Canadian Relief Fund for Lebanon with a new limit of $ 5 million, and not more than $ 2 million as initially announced.

" Our donations will support emergency medical services and provide shelter, food and other essential items to the population affected by the explosion, " said the Prime Minister, who had been criticized in Canada for the sum initially promised in Lebanon.

Last Wednesday, the Canadian Minister of International Development, Karina Gould, announced that Ottawa was providing $ 5 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

" Hundreds of thousands of Canadians of Lebanese origin live in Canada and make their contribution every day in our communities across the country, " said the press release released Monday evening.

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The gigantic explosion on August 4 at the port of Beirut left at least 160 dead and more than 6,000 injured. The international community pledged, during a videoconference organized on Sunday by France and the UN, on aid of 250 million euros.