A huge explosion in the port area of Beirut on 4 August has killed at least 100 people, including firefighters, and injured more than 4,000, with many more remaining unaccounted for
The explosion is reported to have been caused by more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, an industrial chemical used in fertiliser, which was left unsecured at a warehouse near the city's port for several years. It completely devastated the port area, including grain silos which are thought to have stored around 85 per cent of the country’s grain.
The explosion caused extensive damage to buildings and cars as far as two kilometres away, with many reduced to rubble, leaving more than 250,000 people homeless, according to local press reports. The shocks were felt as far away as Cyprus. Hospitals, which were already struggling to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, have been completely overwhelmed.
Hassan Diab, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, appealed for international assistance in a televised speech, saying,“We are witnessing a real catastrophe.” Several countries are reported to be sending medical supplies and emergency support personnel.
Speaking on MTV news, Beirut governor Marwan Aboud said damage is estimated to amount to between US$3-5bn.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun called for an emergency cabinet meeting on 5 August and said the country is looking to impose a two-week state of emergency.
The incident comes at a difficult time for Lebanon, which has seen frequent protests as a result of the government’s handling of the worst economic and financial crisis for years.
