Uncertain future for Beirut blast survivors

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Siham Takiyan lives in the Mar Mikhael neighbourhood of Beirut, which was widely damaged in a deadly blast which ravaged the city last week. 

More than half of the city was destroyed after 2,750 tonnes of amonium nitrate exploded at Beirut's port on August 4. 220 people were killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to goveror Marwan Abboud. 

She has not slept since the explosion seven days ago, which destroyed her home. 

"This is not life, but we are fighting to be alive. Still I am disappointed, I have nervous breakdowns...we don't know what happens tomorrow," she told Rudaw. 

Approximately 300,000 people have been left homeless following the blast. 

"Her house was completely destroyed. She has put her belongings on the street corner," said fellow survivor Shahadi Khalaf. 

Takiyan now spends most of her days at her shop, which largely survived the blast and is her main source of income. 

Volunteers in the neighbourhood are offering what assistance they can.

"Because of her trauma..we are putting out our hands to help her," said volunteer Maria Saeed.

Reporting by Hadi Salimi and Ahmed Omer