BLOG NO.: 9

THE  BEIRUT EXPLOSION

On Tuesday, 4th August 2020, a massive explosion ripped off the Lebanon capital Beirut. More than 100 people are dead (till now) and more than 4000 casualties injured and many were missing as reported by many families. The blast took place on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea nearby Beirut's port sending a huge red-colored mushroom cloud in the air. According to the city governor Marwan Abboud the scene reminded him of "Hiroshima and Nagasaki", he also added that "in my life, I haven't seen destruction on this level scale this is a national catastrophe."

The blast caused a 3.3 magnitude earthquake in the Lebanese capital and the tremors were felt as far as a hundred miles away. On Wednesday morning, despite a huge search operation, dozens were still missing. More casualties are to be found from under the wreckage of the incident.

CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION

pic: still from the first explosion

The exact cause remains undetermined till now. But there were 2 explosions. The first is said to occur due to an explosion on a major fire at the warehouse of firecrackers near the port. The second caused major destruction and havoc. 

pic: still from the second explosion

The prime minister Hasan Diab said that there was nearly 2750 ton stockpile of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical often used as fertilizer stored in a port depot for 6 years. The prime minister called the storage "unacceptable" and called for an investigation into the cause of the blast. Investigators will try to determine the cause of the explosion and the reports are to be released within 5 days as stated by the prime minister.

The blasts cause ceilings to collapse, walls and windows were blown out and debris was found as far as two miles from the port. There was a huge loss of properties. One of the residents who witnessed the event said the scene looks like an "apocalypse".

PROBLEM THE LEBANESE ARE FACING CURRENTLY

The current economy of the country is in the midst of an economic meltdown with unemployment rising to a peak, its currency losing its value, and poverty rate soaring above 50%.

Hospitals that are already dealing with the coronavirus crisis are quickly filled beyond capacity and have issued a plea for blood donation and generator to keep the lights going, as the electricity was down due to the explosion.

Due to the blast, air quality became dangerous to breathe US embassy in Beirut released a statement advising people to wear a mask and stay in those following "reports of toxic gases released in the explosion".

pic: a huge amount of toxic gas was exposed in the air due to the explosion

Lebanon supreme defense council recommended declaring Beirut disaster-stricken City, declaring a two-week state of emergency in the city and hand handing over security responsibilities to the military authorities. A council statement read live on television said president Michael Aoun has decided to release 100 bn Lebanese pounds in emergency allocations from the 2020 budget.

The government worldwide has offered support including the UK, France, Australia, the United States, Canada, and Israel.

LETS PRAY FOR THE WELLBEING AND RECOVERY OF THE PEOPLE OF BEIRUT

FOLLOW ME ON

N A M U S B L O G S