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Beirut explosion: at least 78 dead and 4,000 wounded, says Lebanon health ministry – live updates Beirut explosion: at least 78 dead and 4,000 wounded, says Lebanon health ministry – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Interior minister says ammonium nitrate likely caused at least one explosion amid reports hospitals too damaged to treat patientsInterior minister says ammonium nitrate likely caused at least one explosion amid reports hospitals too damaged to treat patients
New York Times middle east correspondent (and all-round champion and friend) Vivian Yee has written a gut-wrenching account of the blast, despite having multiple injuries and several stapled in her forehead:
More on the hospitals – the Lebanese Red Cross has pleaded with people to donate blood:
Here is our full explainer on what ammonium nitrate is:
Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, said 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded after lying unsecured in a warehouse for six years, tallying with reports that a ship carrying a similar quantity of the chemical had unloaded its cargo at the port in 2013. It remains unclear what caused the chemical to ignite.
Ammonium nitrate is a common industrial chemical used mainly for fertiliser because it is a good source of nitrogen for plants. It is also one of the main components in mining explosives.
Beirut blast: what we know so farRead more
It is not explosive on its own, rather it is an oxidiser, drawing oxygen to a fire – and therefore making it much more intense, according to Gabriel da Silva, a senior lecturer in chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne:
Here is another angle of the explosion, in a video taken from the top of the hotel Le Gray. The empty lot seen in the video was in recent months the site of mass protests against the failing economy – it leads onto Lebanon’s Martyr’s Square:
Here is a bit more on what ammonium nitrate actually is:
Gabriel da Silva, a senior lecturer in chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne explained that ammonium nitrate is a common industrial chemical used mainly for fertiliser because it is a good source of nitrogen for plants.
It is also one of the main components in mining explosives.
Ammonium nitrate is not explosive on its own, rather it is an oxidiser, drawing oxygen to a fire – and therefore making it much more intense.
However, da Silva explained, it only ignites under the right circumstances, and these are difficult to achieve. “You need extreme circumstances to set off an explosion,” he said.
While ammonium nitrate can in fact put out a fire, if the chemical itself is contaminated, for example with oil, it becomes highly explosive.
“I think that’s what’s happened here,” said da Silva.
While the chemicals in the air should dissipate fairly quickly, lingering pollutants can cause problems later, for example if they acidify rain.
“If you look at the smoke that came from the blast it’s this kind of blood red colour . That’s because of the nitrogen oxide air pollutants in it,” he said.
Hi, Helen Sullivan here. Thank you to those of you getting in touch on Twitter and via email.Hi, Helen Sullivan here. Thank you to those of you getting in touch on Twitter and via email.
A reminder that you can send news, tips, photographs and messages to my Twitter @helenrsullivan or email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.A reminder that you can send news, tips, photographs and messages to my Twitter @helenrsullivan or email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
More of the reactions from world leaders:More of the reactions from world leaders:
President Vladimir Putin said that “Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people,” according to a Kremlin statement.President Vladimir Putin said that “Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people,” according to a Kremlin statement.
“I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected.”“I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was “ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities”.French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was “ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities”.
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the pictures and videos from Beirut “shocking”.Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the pictures and videos from Beirut “shocking”.
“All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident,” he wrote on Twitter. “The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.”“All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident,” he wrote on Twitter. “The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say “we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We’re ready to help you.”Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say “we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We’re ready to help you.”
This photograph shows a nurse at a hospital in Beirut holding three infants after the blast:This photograph shows a nurse at a hospital in Beirut holding three infants after the blast:
A bit of background on the economic challenges that Lebanon is facing.A bit of background on the economic challenges that Lebanon is facing.
October last year saw people across Lebanon protest against a lack of basic infrastructure – the tap water is not safe to drink and have for years lived with daily electricity blackouts of, at minimum, three outs – perceived government corruption, and austerity measures.October last year saw people across Lebanon protest against a lack of basic infrastructure – the tap water is not safe to drink and have for years lived with daily electricity blackouts of, at minimum, three outs – perceived government corruption, and austerity measures.
The protests, which lead to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, were fiercely non-sectarian, with people choosing to wave the Lebanese national flag rather than show symbols for individual political parties and marked a euphoric moment for Lebanese residents.The protests, which lead to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, were fiercely non-sectarian, with people choosing to wave the Lebanese national flag rather than show symbols for individual political parties and marked a euphoric moment for Lebanese residents.
Little has changed since, however, with blackouts worsening amid economic free fall and food prices climbing by up to 80%.Little has changed since, however, with blackouts worsening amid economic free fall and food prices climbing by up to 80%.
Two US officials, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, said it was unclear where Trump was receiving his information but that initial information did not appear to show that the explosion was an attack.The officials said the information so far tracked closer to what Lebanese officials had publicly given. They added that it was still early and could change as time went on.Two US officials, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, said it was unclear where Trump was receiving his information but that initial information did not appear to show that the explosion was an attack.The officials said the information so far tracked closer to what Lebanese officials had publicly given. They added that it was still early and could change as time went on.
A reminder that Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun has said that the explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored for six years at the port without safety measures.A reminder that Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun has said that the explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored for six years at the port without safety measures.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab said in a televised address to the nation there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.Prime Minister Hassan Diab said in a televised address to the nation there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.
Incredibly sad scenes, from AFP:Incredibly sad scenes, from AFP:
An Instagram account established to help people find missing loved ones already has more than 40,000 followers.An Instagram account established to help people find missing loved ones already has more than 40,000 followers.
Close to 100 posts with people missing since the explosion have been published so far:Close to 100 posts with people missing since the explosion have been published so far:
Here are some of the expressions of support from around the world:Here are some of the expressions of support from around the world:
Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in, AFP reports.Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in, AFP reports.
In the region, Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response.In the region, Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response.
Qatar’s ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished “a speedy recovery for the injured,” while the United Arab Emirates’ Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted “our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon.”Qatar’s ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished “a speedy recovery for the injured,” while the United Arab Emirates’ Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted “our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon.”
Egypt expressed “deep concern” at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing “the importance of finding the truth about the explosions”.Egypt expressed “deep concern” at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing “the importance of finding the truth about the explosions”.
And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid - to a country with which it is still technically at war.And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid - to a country with which it is still technically at war.
“Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government - via international intermediaries - medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance,” a statement read.“Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government - via international intermediaries - medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance,” a statement read.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was “fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary”.Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was “fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.
Yet another video – this is taken from one of the few public spaces in the city (and where my husband and I spent tome most evenings while living there):
The New York Times’ Maria Abi-Habib on the situation at hospitals:
On Tuesday evening in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut, two huge explosions at the port sent an enormous blast wave across the city, killing at least 78 people and injuring thousands more. The scale of the damage caused by the blast is huge, with buildings miles from the port explosion in ruin. The blast comes at a terrible time for Lebanon, which is on the brink of financial collapse.
Hospitals, which are dealing with the coronavirus crisis, quickly filled beyond capacity, pleading for blood supplies, and generators to keep their lights on.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. Diab declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion. The warehouse that authorities claim was the source of the blast had been the subject of warnings going back to 2014, he said. He would “reveal facts” about the warehouse soon, he said, but does not want to pre-empt an investigation.
Donald Trump has said the deadly explosion in Beirut today “looks like a terrible attack”, contradicting the information coming from Lebanese officials. Asked whether he was “confident” the Lebanon explosion was “an attack and not an accident”, he told reporters: “Well it would seem like it, based on the explosion.” The president added he had met with US generals and said they “seem to feel that it was”.
Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council recommended declaring Beirut a disaster-stricken city, declaring a two-week state of emergency in the capital and handing over security responsibility to military authorities. A council statement, read live on television, said President Michel Aoun has decided to release 100bn Lebanese pounds in emergency allocations from the 2020 budget.
Lebanon’s economy minister, Raoul Nehme, told local media on Tuesday that the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries can not be used and that the ministry lost track of seven employees in the granaries. The minister also told local media that Lebanon will import wheat and added that the country currently has enough wheat until they begin importing it.
There was confusion among residents over whether the air had become dangerous to breathe. US Embassy in Beirut released a statement advising that people wear masks and stay indoors, following “reports of toxic gases released in the explosion”. 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.
Governments worldwide have offered support, including the UK, France, Australia, the US, Canada and Israel.
An Australian citizen has been confirmed dead. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, “It’s my deep regret to inform you that one Australian has been killed in this horrific blast” but did not reveal further details.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered the UK’s support and said that there were British nationals affected by the incident.
From the AFP’s Sara Hussein, formerly a correspondent in Beirut:
The images coming out of Beirut are horribly reminiscent of the destruction inflicted on the Chinese city of Tianjin by a 2015 warehouse disaster that killed more than 170 people and left hundreds injured.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, has blamed today’s catastrophe on the explosion of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which can be used to make fertilisers and explosives. And the same highly explosive compound was also involved in Tianjin, a major port city 70 miles southeast of the capital Beijing.On the night of 12 August 2015 a series of cataclysmic detonations rocked an area of warehouses where large quantities of hazardous chemicals, also including sodium cyanide and potassium nitrate, were being stored, in some cases illegally.Chinese authorities later claimed the first explosion had been triggered after the heat of summer caused a highly flammable compound called nitrocellulose to spontaneously ignite. Nearby stores of ammonium nitrate then caught fire and exploded.Firefighters who rushed to the scene reportedly attempted to extinguish the initial blaze with water - only to inadvertently exacerbate the situation because of the presence of hazardous flammable chemicals. The majority of those killed were firefighters, including at least one teenager.Such was the force of the Tianjin explosions that they registered as small earthquakes.Then, as now, eyewitnesses filmed apocalyptic, almost surreal footage showing the scale of the inferno.
Here are some photographs of the devastation in the city:
There is confusion among residents over whether the air has become dangerous to breathe.
US Embassy in Beirut released a statement advising that people wear masks and stay indoors, following “reports of toxic gases released in the explosion”. 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.
Here is our video report on the explosion in Beirut.
If you’re just joining us: Beirut has been rocked by a huge explosion, devastating parts of the city and injuring thousands of people. Eyewitness footage shared widely on social media showed a section of the city’s port area on fire before a huge blast engulfed nearby neighbourhoods, flattening buildings and leaving streets littered with broken glass and debris.
The Lebanese security chief, Abbas Ibrahim, later blamed combustible chemicals stored in a warehouse. Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, said those responsible would ‘pay a price’ for the disaster:
Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council recommended declaring Beirut a disaster-stricken city, declaring a two-week state of emergency in the capital and handing over security responsibility to military authorities, Reuters reports.
A council statement, read live on television, said President Michel Aoun has decided to release 100bn Lebanese pounds in emergency allocations from the 2020 budget.It also recommended ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that a committee be tasked with investigating the blast and present its findings within five days to mete out the maximum punishment for those responsible.
People in Beirut appear to be opening their homes up to those who need a place to spend the night – many people’s apartments are now windowless or nearly destroyed: