Damage and Recovery Status on ILCAA Overseas Offices After Beirut Explosion

September 11, 2020

The massive explosion that occurred at the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020 also damaged the Japan Center for Middle Eastern Studies (JaCMES), the Beirut research hub for TUFS' Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa (ILCAA).

A month after the incident, most of the restoration work, except for the damaged equipment, has been completed.

We would like to take this opportunity to inform everyone who has been concerned about our situation.

For more information, please visit the link below.
http://meis2.aacore.jp/base_beirut.html#headline20200804jacmes

The JaCMES meeting room as of September 7

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August 7, 2020

On the afternoon of August 4, 2020 (local time), a massive explosion occurred in Beirut (Lebanon). We would like to express our sympathies and condolences to all those who have been affected by this explosion.

The blast has caused damage to the Japan Center for Middle Eastern Studies, JaCMES (Beirut, Lebanon), of the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, ILCAA (as of August 6).

・Status on Property Damage
As JaCMES is situated about 1.4 km from the explosion point, the pressure of the blast was extremely strong. All windows were blown inward, sturdy doors came off, equipment was destroyed, and other damage to property was caused.

・Status on casualties
At the time of the explosion, the local administrative staff was off duty and the resident researcher had been back in Japan to renew his visa, so there were no casualties.

・ILCAA, JaCMES
Location: 2nd Floor, Azariyeh Building (Lazarists Center) A2-1, Bashura, Emir Bashir Street, Central District, Beirut, LEBANON
http://meis2.aacore.jp/base_beirut.html

This was an update for all those who have been concerned about this tragedy.

The Lebanese Embassy in Tokyo will accept letters of condolence for the victims of the accident on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Embassy of Lebanon: Residence Bicantes 410, 1-11-36 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo