Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab cried tears of agony as he talked about the devastation caused by the massive explosion that took place early at the capital Beirut on Tuesday, August 4.
The explosion that killed at least 100 people, was sparked by 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound often found in fertilizers and bombs. The deadly combination of the chemical compound, along with a storage unit of fireworks, were stored in a warehouse since 2014.
Red Cross executive George Kettana estimates over 4,000 people were injured with several people missing. Medical and food supplies are in a state of emergency as they are not only impacted by the recent economic crisis, but now also the loss of over 80% of wheat that was harvesting in the port area of Beirut. Lebanon has declared a two week state of emergency and a three-day mourning period.
Several videos of the explosion went viral on Tuesday showing small explosions letting off before two huge explosions blasted through the city. A mushroom cloud could be seen in the videos.
Trump said in a press conference that he and his advisors agree that this was no manufacturing error, but rather an “attack” caused by some kind of bomb. Many people are disputing this claim, chalking it up to an accident. Others believe something more sinister is at hand.
Before the explosion, Lebanon was experiencing several crises. The country had an unresolved human trafficking problem. Lebanon was also dealing with the people of the country conducting protests and demonstrations against government actions regarding the economic crisis.
On top of that, there’s been ongoing tension with Israel that dates back to the 1970s. It has been documented that Beirut, Lebanon, a mostly Muslim and Christian country, is opposed to Jews, according to the Pew Research Center. Jerusalem, Israel, however, is mainly Jewish and makes six times more in nominal GDP than Beirut.
The Middle Eastern territory led by Michael Aoun, who vowed to hold the culprits of the disaster accountable, is considered an “enemy state” by the Israeli law authorities. Israel denies any involvement in the explosion.
