A day like no other: Lebanese nurse's cross-country dash to help overwhelmed hospital

Jana Abla was hours away from Beirut when the blast ripped the city apart. As soon as she learnt of the explosion, she raced back to help

Ghinwa Obeid

August 06, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

It was her day off on Tuesday and nurse Jana Abla had driven to the family’s south Lebanon home town of Marjayoun when the huge blast ripped through Beirut port. In seconds, thousands were wounded and dozens were killed.

Despite being hours away from the capital, Jana jumped into action.

"I was watching TV with my mother and I saw that something big was happening. I could not see such a thing going on and not do anything, I had to act," Jana, 29, tells The National.

She drove as fast as she could back to Beirut, straight to her hospital in the Metn district on the outskirts. Walking in, she was hit by the scale of the disaster.

“When I arrived at the hospital’s emergency room, I saw mass casualties,” she recalls. “Blood was everywhere.”

Jana says she has never seen such a volume of injuries and patients in her seven years as a nurse.

“We were out of places, stretchers and chairs. We had people sitting on the floor receiving treatment,” she says.

“Definitely that was a day to be remembered in my professional career. The experience I lived through was not like anything I have experienced in my seven years of work … The scene in front of me was painful.”

A woman stands inside a damaged restaurant. AP Photo
A woman stands inside a damaged restaurant. AP Photo
People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
Workers are pictured at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
Workers are pictured at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
A man sleeps near a damaged car near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. REUTERS
A man sleeps near a damaged car near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. REUTERS
Workers line at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
Workers line at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
French President Emmanuel Macron visits the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
French President Emmanuel Macron visits the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
A view of the port of Beirut on January 25, 2020, left, and on August 5, 2020, a day after the explosion. AFP
A view of the port of Beirut on January 25, 2020, left, and on August 5, 2020, a day after the explosion. AFP
Bride Israa Seblani poses for a picture in the same place where she was taking her wedding photos at the moment of the explosion. Reuters
Bride Israa Seblani poses for a picture in the same place where she was taking her wedding photos at the moment of the explosion. Reuters
People stand with their belongings as they leave their damaged homes. Reuters
People stand with their belongings as they leave their damaged homes. Reuters
A Lebanese man shows injuries on his back after the massive explosion in Beirut. EPA
A Lebanese man shows injuries on his back after the massive explosion in Beirut. EPA
Men are seen sitting inside a damaged home, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
Men are seen sitting inside a damaged home, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
A pedestrian takes photos of a badly damaged building in Beirut. Bloomberg
A pedestrian takes photos of a badly damaged building in Beirut. Bloomberg
Lebanese Druze clerics check damaged cars. AP Photo
Lebanese Druze clerics check damaged cars. AP Photo
A statue representing the Lebanese expatriate is seen in front of a building that was damaged by the explosion. AP Photo
A statue representing the Lebanese expatriate is seen in front of a building that was damaged by the explosion. AP Photo
People walk with their belongings in the area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
People walk with their belongings in the area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
The curtains in the rooms of the Le Gray hotel in the Lebanese capital Beirut swaying in the wind. AFP
The curtains in the rooms of the Le Gray hotel in the Lebanese capital Beirut swaying in the wind. AFP
A view of a damaged Fransa Bank. EPA
A view of a damaged Fransa Bank. EPA
People check damaged vehicles. EPA
People check damaged vehicles. EPA
Volunteers clean the streets amid the wreckage. Reuters
Volunteers clean the streets amid the wreckage. Reuters
People carry belongings after evacuating their damaged housing units at area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
People carry belongings after evacuating their damaged housing units at area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
A destroyed Bank Audi SAL branch stands in Beirut. Bloomberg
A destroyed Bank Audi SAL branch stands in Beirut. Bloomberg
A worker wearing a protective face mask stands at the entrance to a destroyed Fransabank SAL branch in Beirut. Bloomberg
A worker wearing a protective face mask stands at the entrance to a destroyed Fransabank SAL branch in Beirut. Bloomberg
Volunteers carry brooms as they walk to clean the streets. Reuters
Volunteers carry brooms as they walk to clean the streets. Reuters
A woman sits in front of a damaged building. EPA
A woman sits in front of a damaged building. EPA
A general view of the Beirut port area after the massive explosion. EPA
A general view of the Beirut port area after the massive explosion. EPA
An aerial view shows the massive damage done to the Electricity of Lebanon building. AFP
An aerial view shows the massive damage done to the Electricity of Lebanon building. AFP
A view of the damaged building of the Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. EPA
A view of the damaged building of the Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. EPA
Volunteers gather aid supplies to be distributed for those affected by Tuesday's blast. Reuters
Volunteers gather aid supplies to be distributed for those affected by Tuesday's blast. Reuters
Lebanese men clears rubble, one day after the explosion at the Beirut Port, in the Gemayzeh area. EPA
Lebanese men clears rubble, one day after the explosion at the Beirut Port, in the Gemayzeh area. EPA
Lebanese youth salvage a velvet sofa from a destroyed apartment in the Gemayzeh area of Beirut. EPA
Lebanese youth salvage a velvet sofa from a destroyed apartment in the Gemayzeh area of Beirut. EPA
Lebanese activists take part in a campaign to clean the damaged neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
Lebanese activists take part in a campaign to clean the damaged neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
An injured Lebanese shop owner sits at her desk selling her wares. EPA
An injured Lebanese shop owner sits at her desk selling her wares. EPA

The massive explosion obliterated Beirut port and devastated much of the capital. More than 135 people have been reported dead so far and over 5,000 were injured. The number of casualties continues to rise.

Jana’s hospital was not affected by the blast, but it was quickly flooded with cases.

Several major downtown medical centres were badly damaged by the explosion and the city’s hospitals were quickly overwhelmed. Patients have been diverted to hospitals outside the capital and other countries have sent field hospitals and doctors to help relieve the pressure.

Despite the scale of casualties, Jana says the doctors, nurses and medical staff worked fast and as a team. “We needed to save people, each one of us had to do something … all departments were working together.”

Read More

Beirut’s doctors recall rush to save lives after deadly blast

Lebanese diaspora in shock after explosions devastate Beirut

The Beirut port explosion has come at a time when Lebanon is already facing dire setbacks. The healthcare system was already creaking under the weight of an economic collapse and the Covid-19 pandemic – which has seen a surge in cases in recent weeks.

“There is a saying that there is no emergency in a pandemic, but what if there is a disaster in a pandemic,” Jana asks.

She hopes the pandemic and the blast will make people think more about doctors and nurses, who often face abuse on the job, and hospitals that are struggling financially.

“People are starting to recognise what our role is, and the image is changing. People are starting to show their gratitude when we need it the most.”

At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

More from this package
While you're here
Whiile you're here
While you're here
Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202-litre%20direct%20injection%20turbo%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%207-speed%20automatic%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20261hp%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20400Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20From%20Dh134%2C999%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Community Shield info

Where, when and at what time Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday at 5pm (UAE time)

Arsenal line up (3-4-2-1) Petr Cech; Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck; Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Chelsea line up (3-4-2-1) Thibaut Courtois; Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Willian, Pedro; Michy Batshuayi

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

Referee Bobby Madley

While you're here...
On Women's Day
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
On Women's Day
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi

One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier. 

It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.  

“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. 

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

Terminator: Dark Fate

Director: Tim Miller

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis 

Rating: 3/5

Match info

Manchester City 3 (Jesus 22', 50', Sterling 69')
Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 65')

How England have scored their set-piece goals in Russia

Three Penalties

v Panama, Group Stage (Harry Kane)

v Panama, Group Stage (Kane)

v Colombia, Last 16 (Kane)

Four Corners

v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via John Stones header, from Ashley Young corner)

v Tunisia, Group Stage (Kane, via Harry Maguire header, from Kieran Trippier corner)

v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, header, from Trippier corner)

v Sweden, Quarter-Final (Maguire, header, from Young corner)

One Free-Kick

v Panama, Group Stage (Stones, via Jordan Henderson, Kane header, and Raheem Sterling, from Tripper free-kick)

Lebanon