Lebanese are gripped by worry as economic meltdown speeds up

People pass next of an exchange shop which seen close amid a crackdown on some exchange shops by authorities around the country that the blame for inciting the crisis, at Beirut's commercial Hamra Street, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. More than half the population now lives in poverty, while an intractable political crisis heralds further collapse and Lebanese are gripped by fear for the future. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

People pass next of a woman, center, who is sits on the ground with her daughter begging on Beirut's commercial Hamra Street, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. More than half the population now lives in poverty, while an intractable political crisis heralds further collapse and Lebanese are gripped by fear for the future. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Ibrahim Farshoukh, 28, owner of a leather bracelets and bags shop, carries a stand with his products, on Beirut's commercial Hamra Street, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. More than half the population now lives in poverty, while an intractable political crisis heralds further collapse and Lebanese are gripped by fear for the future. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

An exchange shop is seen close amid a crackdown on some exchange shops by authorities around the country that the blame for inciting the crisis, at Beirut's commercial Hamra Street, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. More than half the population now lives in poverty, while an intractable political crisis heralds further collapse and Lebanese are gripped by fear for the future. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A protester shouts slogans in front of burning garbage containers used to block a main road during a protest against the increase in prices of consumer goods and the crash of the local currency, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. The Arabic placard reads:"Salameh (the Central Bank governor) is still at the bank while the lira is dead." (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A man passes next of one of bigger clothes shop that close for ever after the economy crisis on Beirut's commercial Hamra Street, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)