Currently, crackers and fireworks have spread in the markets, the sound of their explosions is loud, like bombs and tank shells. If the sound of the explosion is this loud, what is the result of its harm to children, not to mention the inconvenience and noise it poses to society?
Many accidents have actually occurred with children as a result of this pest, the types of which are developing in the market over time, and many injuries have reached hospitals due to these crackers and fireworks.
The Revolution / Asmaa Al-Bazzaz
Umm Abdullah says: Unfortunately, fireworks have become widespread recently and are sold in all stores at attractive prices for children. Unfortunately, my son is one of the victims of these dangerous games, which, in short, I consider to be time bombs.
Umm Abdullah continued: I gave my son money to buy sweets, and he returned to me with what is called a “bomb,” which is a firecracker with a strong, annoying, and dangerous sound, which affected his right eye, and almost blinded him. Even now, we are from one hospital to another to continue treating his eye, because the doctors have unanimously agreed that his injury is serious and may affect his sight.
Profit only:
As for educator Amani Haider, she reported that one of her students at school, named Muhammad Wadih Al-Salawi, seven years old, died a few days ago in this holy month while playing with fireworks with his colleagues in the neighborhood.
She added with regret: It is truly a tragedy and a tragedy that the lives of children are lost in this painful way, which requires us to stand together in calling for the punishment of those who are lenient with the lives of our children, those who sell these fireworks and are unaware of their dangers, and are only concerned with financial gain at the expense of the lives and tranquility of innocent people.
Damages and the role of the state:
Regarding the damage and the role of the state, Shura Council member Nayef Haidan says: The damage caused to children, and even adults were not spared due to fireworks, is very large and poses a danger to society, such as fires, eye injuries, and wounds in various parts of the body.
He added: Explosives and fireworks are now widespread in the markets, the sounds of their explosions sounding like bombs and tank shells. If the sound of the explosion was of this magnitude, what would be the result of its harm to children, not to mention the inconvenience and noise that these fireworks cause to society?
He added: On the other hand, there are many accidents that children have been exposed to as a result of this pest, the types of which develop in the market over time, and many injuries reach hospitals as a result of the incorrect use of these crackers and fireworks.
He continued: Such a danger that these fireworks pose to children, as well as to adults, property, cars, and everything that is susceptible to fire, requires the Ministry of Interior to prevent everything that is dangerous and causes harm to children and citizens and to confiscate it from the market, in addition to the role of the family in educating and advising children not to buy this type of dangerous fireworks and to be content with buying the simple type that does not cause harm.
He continued: In the past, toys were used for special occasions and were not dangerous, but today different types of toys with powerful and effective explosions have become available and flooded the markets, and this has made children strongly attracted to them, even at the expense of their necessary requirements.
Awareness and education:
Regarding the importance of raising awareness and education about the seriousness of this phenomenon, Nada Jahaf – Events and Media Coordinator at the Women’s General Cultural Authority, says: Fireworks between the joy of children and the danger of accidents are an indication of a phenomenon that is expanding in Yemeni society, as the markets in the capital, Sana’a, and the rest of the Yemeni cities witness a wide spread of fireworks, especially during seasons and occasions, as children accept to buy them out of joy and amusement. However, this phenomenon, which on the surface appears to be a source of joy, has often turned into a source of real danger that threatens the safety of children and society, after accidents related to its use have increased significantly.
She continued: In recent years, hospitals have recorded multiple cases of burns and injuries to the hands, face, and eyes as a result of tampering with fireworks, some of which led to permanent disabilities. The victims are often children who do not realize the extent of the danger inherent in these small explosive materials, in the absence of sufficient awareness or effective control over their sale and circulation.
She explained that the spread of fireworks among children is due to several reasons, most notably the ease of obtaining them in markets and grocery stores without adequate supervision, in addition to the lack of awareness among some families of the danger of letting children play with them without supervision. Some sellers also seek to make a quick profit without regard to the health and security risks that may result from selling these dangerous materials.
Pointing out that social media and circulating videos play an indirect role in encouraging children to imitate the use of fireworks they see in celebrations, without realizing the difference between organized use and random tampering with them in residential neighborhoods.
Jahaf said: The responsibility to reduce this phenomenon does not fall on one party only, but rather is a shared responsibility between the family, the concerned parties and society. The family bears the first role in educating children about the danger of fireworks and preventing them from using or purchasing them, while providing safe alternatives for entertainment. Official bodies also bear responsibility, as it is their responsibility to tighten control over the import and sale of these toys, and set clear controls preventing their sale to children, in addition to organizing awareness campaigns through schools and the media about their health and security risks. Civil society and educational institutions should also contribute to spreading awareness among children and adolescents, through educational programs and activities that highlight the dangers of fireworks and encourage On safe behaviour.
Final warning:
In a proactive step to prevent humanitarian disasters, the Civil Defense Authority issued what it described as a “last warning,” targeting fireworks storage networks that have turned into “time bombs” that threaten the lives of thousands of children in the heart of crowded residential neighborhoods.
The Civil Defense statement focused dramatically on “Old Sana’a.” He stressed that this city, which is included on the World Heritage List, cannot tolerate the adventures of merchants, because the close together mud buildings make any simple fire into a comprehensive disaster that may erase historical landmarks dating back thousands of years, which makes the Authority stress the immediate evacuation of fireworks from them without any restrictions or conditions.
Observers believe that turning the citizen into a “sergeant” by calling on him to report secret warehouses reflects the seriousness of the authorities in drying up the sources of danger, as the matter is no longer just a “commercial violation,” but rather affects public safety and the urban fabric of the capital.
An informed source confirms that the Civil Defense sent a message to merchants urging them to “either voluntarily and safely evacuate, or legal confrontation and confiscation,” in a step aimed at securing the capital before the busy seasons and holidays when the demand for these dangerous materials increases.
