Massive explosion in Beirut Lebanon killed 100 people and injuring 4,000 - what you need to know
The blast occurred in a warehouse where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used to make bombs and fertilizers, were stored for six years without any safety measures - file pic
A powerful explosion in Beirut, Lebanon has killed at least 100 people and injuring nearly 4,000 with officials expecting the numbers to rise.
Videos and pictures from the scene showed unprecedented damage with collapsed buildings and glasses from balconies and windows of buildings scattered on the streets.
People were trapped underneath rubbles as rescue workers tireless search through them for victims.
Reports from witnesses recalled a mushroom cloud following the deafening blast at the city's port that left the city in a complete and utter chaos.
A powerful explosion in Beirut, Lebanon has killed at least 80 people and injuring nearly 4,000 with officials expecting the numbers to rise - file pic
Reports from witnesses recalled a mushroom cloud following the deafening blast at the city's port that left the city in a complete and utter chaos - file pic
Videos and pictures from the scene showed unprecedented damage with collapsed buildings and glasses from balconies and windows of buildings scattered on the streets - file pic
What caused the blast?
The blast occurred in a warehouse where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used to make bombs and fertilizers, were stored for six years without any safety measures.
President, Michel Aoun, has called out the action as "unacceptable" in a tweet.
Though the exact cause of the explosion is still unclear, Prime Minister Hassan Diab, in a televised address, has called it a catastrophe and vowed that those responsible will be held accountable.
How have other countries reacted?
Diab has called for international assistance “to stand by Lebanon and to help us heal our deep wounds”.
Neighbouring countries such as Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait will be sending medical assistance, based on reports by the Middle East state news agencies
Many world leaders have also come forth in support of Lebanon during its time of crisis.
Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein in a tweet complete with the hashtag #PrayForLebanon, said that Malaysia is ready to support in any way that it can while confirming that Malaysians there are safe and have been advised to stay at home.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also shared the same sentiment, claiming that he was in shock after seeing the pictures and videos from the explosion.
United States President Donald Trump also sent “America's deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon,” while proposing that the cause of the explosion may have been a “terrible attack”.
Lebanese officials have not confirmed any sign of attacks as investigation is being launched to find the cause of the explosion.
What’s the situation in Lebanon?
On top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has affected more than 5,000 of its people, Lebanon is currently under a major economic and political crisis.
The people have taken to the streets since last year to protest government’s ruling elite that has dominated politics for years and failed to address Lebanon’s economic crisis since its civil war (1975-1990).
Tension has also risen between Israel and Lebanon’s militant political party Hezbollah, in a border conflict that had Israeli officials thwarted an attempt by Hezbollah to infiltrate its territory, just last week.
Several blasts have occurred in Lebanon, one of which resulted in the assignation of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri by a truck bomb in Beirut on Feb 14, 2005. The long-awaited verdict of the assassination is due this week as four Hezbollah members are on trial in absentia at a special court in the Netherlands.
A two-week state of emergency has just been declared in the capital with the handing of security measures to the military.
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