A traumatizing explosion in Beirut- the capital of Lebanon- injured over 6,000 people, displaced 300,000 people and left at least 181 people dead. , “The explosion was triggered when a warehouse fire ignited 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in fertilizer and bombs.” The chemical was unsafely packed in the warehouse. Other countries have pledged to contribute $300 million to Lebanon, to help rebuild the city again, with money coming from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia.
After the explosion, the Beirut cabinet resigned. This caused Beirut to riot, even after dealing with economic issues as a whole. In a New York Times article written by Ben Hubbard, he said, “Demonstrators wearing masks and goggles climbed up barricades near the Parliament and hurled stones at riot police officers, who fired volleys of tear gas that wafted through downtown for the third time in three days.” The Prime minister of Beirut described the explosion as “unacceptable,” then allowed the government to resign six days later. Hubbard said that the protesters plan to “take down the president and the parliament speakers.”
Badri Daher, customs chief, tried to get the cargo where the ammonium nitrate was held removed but was told to “leave it to the professionals.” The explosion was felt from Lebanon to Cyprus, which is 160 miles away. The explosion felt just like a 3.3 magnitude earthquake. The explosion itself was equivalent to 1,000-1,500 tons of TNT.
On social media platforms, #PrayforLebanon can be found, where pictures and videos are posted. If you’d like to help click this link, where CNN is raising and donating money to Lebanon to treat the injured and rebuild their city.