Explosion Kills Over 100
As videos of the Beirut explosion circulate across the internet, Lebanese citizens search under the rubble for loved ones, possessions, and hope. The Guardian reports around 135 people died while 5,000 are injured. 800,000 people have been left homeless by the blast. An intense search goes on for those stuck under collapsed buildings and debris. Families have been separated, with many children orphaned by this recent explosion.
While many speculate the cause of this explosion, government officials believe it had resulted from the 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate stockpiled and unregulated in an industrial warehouse since 2014.
As New York Times puts it, a Russian businessman had abandoned a cargo ship, the Rhosus, after multiple financial disputes. The combustible contents within the ship were then transferred into a warehouse without any proper storage conditions. While many customs officials had tried to request for the removal or reallocation of the chemicals, it only led to long-term negligence.
When the ammonium nitrate had exploded, it created a blast strong enough to be compared to the power of a 3.3 earthquake. Cyprus, a town over 160 miles away, had even felt the effects of the blast.
The smoke and fumes have continued to last hours after the explosion, with the US embassy urging residents to wear a mask due to fear of toxic gases. Hospitals, with some sustaining damage from the blast, are overwhelmed by the sudden flow of patients. The city streets are paved with bloodied glass, sharp remnants of the chaos that had unfolded in the capital city.
Lebanon has now enacted a three day mourning period as well as a two-week state of emergency. Emergency workers and medical personnel all over the globe have been sent to help the injured. Donations have poured in from other countries. Yet, there is still much to be done.
Economy Impacted Heavily by Many Factors
Beirut is not only the capital city of Lebanon, it is also one of Lebanon’s most important sea ports. Beirut's governor had announced the cost of the damage was around $3 billion. Lebanon is considered the third most indebted country in the world. By losing most of Beirut through this explosion, Lebanon’s already-crippling economy will continue to suffer.
As NBC news recollects, poverty and hunger continue to plague the country as the Lebanese pound has lost over 80% of its economic value. Inflation has hit hard, with many items tripling in price. The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated their current situation, closing businesses and skyrocketing unemployment. For some, they hope to be able to eat a meal every two days. What once would bring in food and other valuable necessities, the national currency had taken a turn for the worst.
The explosion also destroyed 85% of Lebanon’s national wheat silos, the important grain reserves that import 80% of Lebanon’s food demand. Because only 16.9% of Lebanon’s wheat supply is locally grown, they depend mostly on imports. The blast had hit incoming wheat vessels and a plethora of silos machinery, further worsening the Lebanese food instability.
Reuters states only a month’s worth of wheat reserves are left after the explosion, with the destroyed silos holding around 15,000 tons of wheat. During the Reuters article, a minister mentions that they do have enough flour to prevent any upcoming bread shortages. However, it will take years to rebuild the port, in which the intermediary time could end up prolonging food shortages and poverty rates.
Where to Donate and Help
Many Lebanese residents have spoken about this crisis, emphasizing the importance of legitimate donations and pushing away any talk of petitions. Petitions don’t necessarily help in this case. What the Lebanese need is financial support.
Below I have listed links to websites that are currently accepting donations to aid this crisis. Please consider donating or sharing these links to others.