News of a devastating explosion in Beruit, Lebanon has shocked the world. With over half of the city destroyed, and the entire country already facing other major problems, such as an economic collapse, amid the ongoing battle against the pandemic, this has just made things even worse.
And now harrowing images have surfaced showing the scene before and after.
A massive explosion has rocked the city of Beirut.
via: Getty
On Tuesday, shocking footage of the explosion, which appeared to come from around the Lebanese capital’s port, was posted onto Twitter.And just a day later it has been confirmed that the blast was caused by ammonium nitrate.
• More than 100 people have died, 4,000+ injured • Explosion was heard as far away as Cyprus - approx 200km (125 mi… https://t.co/wVOiaTbtkr— BBC News (World) (@BBC News (World))1596649102.0
It was used to make fertilizers and explosives.
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And the substance has been stored there near a port for over 6 years.But nothing of the sort has ever happened before.
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The cause of the explosion was also backed up by the country's General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim, that also added that some of the material had been confiscated and stored there prior to the incident.The utter devastation left behind has shocked the world.
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The blast could be felt in other countries in a 100KM radius.Reports state that it was even felt in the country of Cyprus in Europe.
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Since the explosion occurred, other countries including Canada and the United Kingdom have offered their support to Lebanon.The Czech Republic has also said they would send in 37 rescuers with sniffer dogs...
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While Greece and Denmark have also extended a helping hand.The French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron said he was already in the process of sending equipment into the country.
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On Twitter, he said this: "I express my fraternal solidarity with the Lebanese after the explosion which claimed so many victims and damages this evening in Beirut. "France stands alongside Lebanon. Always. French aid and resources are being transported on the spot."It has already been a pretty difficult time for the country.
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Amid the pandemic, the country has also been suffering a major economic collapse, with its currency dropping in value over 70%.That means supplies and funding were hard to distribute...
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And with the coronavirus still wreaking havoc in most countries, this just adds even more pressure on the government, as well as the country's citizens.It is thought that the damage repairs are going to cost approximately 5 billion dollars.
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Over half of the city, including the port, has been completely damaged. Not to mention houses, businesses, and vehicles that were within the impact point of the blast.Even places that weren't close to the warehouse experienced intense damage.
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The blast was so strong that it completely shattered glass windows and blew in the entrances of homes and other establishments.Footage of the blast as well as the devastating after-effects are being uploaded online.
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You can watch the original video if you keep scrolling, but I must warn you, it is pretty difficult to watch.Another video has also shown us how scary the incident was.
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A priest was leading the service when the lights started flicking and the rumbling started.He can then be seen running, as well as everyone else in the church as the impact of the explosion tears through the room.
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It is a truly disheartening sight.
Emergency services in the area are working tirelessly to recover people from the rubble.
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But it is a long and daunting task, with many people being found amongst the carnage succumbing to their injuries.People online are raising more awareness about the issue, as well as promoting links as to where you can donate.
https://t.co/oHxzj0XmDz— elisha (@elisha)1596627938.0
Reuters also reported that the country might be facing a food shortage.
After blast, Lebanon has less than a month's grain reserves https://t.co/rzq7JEM4CT https://t.co/xprrOlx87l— Reuters (@Reuters)1596627304.0
Lebanon needs us now more than ever.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.Here's the harrowing video:
Amidst this pandemic the worse one could imagine is going in Lebanon. I wonder with all these going through how one… https://t.co/dSlbhpviv0— Liza chophi (@Liza chophi)1596627503.0
And after.
via: Euro Space Imaging
"Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images captured only hours ago with WorldView-2 by European Space Imaging highlight the scope of the damage to the surrounding blast site," they explain.And overturned cruise ship.
via: Euro Space Imaging
"According to AIS data, this cruise ship is the 'Orient Queen' sailing under the flag of Bahamas, and originating from port King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia.""Almost 20 buildings have been completely destroyed."
via: Euro Space Imaging
"Whilst hundreds of other surrounding buildings have been significantly damaged. A cruise ship has been overturned and four tankers have been damaged."While these images are horrific...
via: Euro Space Imaging
They're also very important to data gathering.Adrian Zevenbergen, Managing Director, European Space Imaging, explained:
via: Euro Space Imaging
"When disaster strikes, VHR satellite imagery can provide critical information for emergency relief operations to evaluate the extent of damage and get an entire overview of the scene.""It supplies crisis management teams with logistical insights for planning."
via: Euro Space Imaging
"And helps to monitor and detect any changes that may be critical to minimizing or even eliminating further catastrophe." This is a developing story. Stay posted for further updates.