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Beirut Explosion Tragedy-The Day After

/ August 5, 2020 / Leave a comment / Lebanese Wars, War and Conflict Updates, War and Conflicts News, warandconflictnews

Beirut Explosion Tragedy-The Day After

The aftermath of the huge explosion in the port area of Beirut, Lebanon, is a picture of devastation. Authorities report at least 135 deaths, and over 5,000 injured by the blast that occurred on August 4, 2020. Casualty figures are expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Lebanese officials now blame improperly, and possibly illegally, stored chemicals in the port for the explosion. Early theories linking the blast to Israel or Hezbollah or other political or military actors are now considered inaccurate.

Reportedly, some 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate had been stored at port facilities for years after being offloaded from a Russian-owned freighter. The ship had reportedly been abandoned by its owner and the crew had left after months of non-payment. Ammonium nitrate is a volatile chemical compound that needs to be stored properly to prevent an explosion.

The government of Lebanon promises an investigation, but the Lebanese people, already hit hard by a major economic recession, a growing COVID pandemic, and continued tension along the borders with Israel, is furious that authorities allowed this dangerous situation to occur at the port.

Below are videos from Twitter that show the devastation from the Beirut explosion.

This video from CNN’s Twitter, shows a beautiful Lebanese bride being photographed on her wedding day, when the concussive blast from the explosion hits the wedding party:

This video clip from Global Military Info shows a drone’s-eye view of Beirut’s port area the day after the massive explosion:

Whereas this video shows more closeup views of damaged buildings off the port area:

From @aletweetsnews showing before and after imagery of the port area:

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