A massive explosion took place yesterday (4 August) in Beirut, capital of Lebanon where at least 78 people were killed and 4,000 others were injured.
Videos of the incident show thick clouds of smoke rising from a building before it exploded, sending an enormous blast wave across the city.
According to BBC, officials say highly explosive materials stored in a warehouse for six years could be the cause of the explosion. President Michel Aoun said in a Tweet that it was “unacceptable” that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was stored unsafely.
Meanwhile, investigations are underway to determine what triggered the explosion. Those found responsible would face the maximum punishment possible, said Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council.
Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.
President Aoun has since declared a three-day mourning period, and said the government would release 100 billion Lebanese pounds (RM279,462,860) of emergency funds.
Hospitals are full in Beirut. This is one of many. pic.twitter.com/OFE40nghyP
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 5, 2020
You can see the mushroom clould looks like hiroshma Nagasaki#Beirut #Beirut_Explosion#لبنان pic.twitter.com/qy7vcoL4TV
— Bushra (@BushraHashmi__) August 4, 2020
Videos on Twitter show civilians in their homes as the explosion took place.
This video of a father trying to protect his son during the Beirut explosion moved me to tears ??
Pray for people of #Beirut Lebanon#Beirut pic.twitter.com/Xy2pb7C1bE
— WaqarQasim (@WaqarQasim15) August 5, 2020
#BeirutBlast #beirutexplosion#Beirut #Lebanon
My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child.
Not all angels have wings ? #BeirutExplosion #لبنان #Beirut pic.twitter.com/IfkhDN2iOZ— SANTOSH?? (@santoshkr_08) August 4, 2020
In an update by The Guardian, residents are concerned if the air had become dangerous to breathe.
US Embassy in Beirut released a statement saying that there have been reports of toxic gases released in the explosion and advises all in the area to “stay indoors and wear masks if available”.
However, many people’s windows where shattered by the blast, making it difficult to avoid breathing the air outside.
The American University of Aerosol Research Lab’s indicators showed that air quality levels had returned to “Good” by 7pm, however, after showing “Moderate” levels of particulate matter an hour earlier.
Beirut explosion aftermath… pic.twitter.com/5FKBkzv6Uz
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) August 5, 2020
Stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: Fire Engulfs Plastic Factory After Over 20 Explosions Were Heard in Setapak
