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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
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan. It is now dawn in Lebanon. Many will not have slept at all, some will wake up soon and remember what has happened. My heartfelt condolences to each of them.
My colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe will be bringing you the latest for the next few hours.
Here are some more photographs from the city – a common refrain on Twitter is that this blast has, in a matter of seconds, caused the same amount of destruction as years and years of war:
On Tuesday evening in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut, two huge explosions in its port sent an enormous blast wave across the city, killing at least 78 people and injuring thousands more. The scale of the damage is huge, with buildings miles from the port lying in ruin. The blast comes at a terrible time for Lebanon, which is on the brink of financial collapse.On Tuesday evening in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut, two huge explosions in its port sent an enormous blast wave across the city, killing at least 78 people and injuring thousands more. The scale of the damage is huge, with buildings miles from the port lying in ruin. The blast comes at a terrible time for Lebanon, which is on the brink of financial collapse.
Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a common industrial chemical used in fertiliser and as a component in mining explosives. Diab declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion. The warehouse that authorities claim was the site 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 did not want to pre-empt an investigation.Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a common industrial chemical used in fertiliser and as a component in mining explosives. Diab declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion. The warehouse that authorities claim was the site 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 did not want to pre-empt an investigation.
Hospitals that are already dealing with the coronavirus crisis were quickly filled beyond capacity, and issued pleas for blood donations and generators to keep the lights going.Hospitals that are already dealing with the coronavirus crisis were quickly filled beyond capacity, and issued pleas for blood donations and generators to keep the lights going.
Donald Trump has said the deadly explosion in Beirut “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 US generals and said they “seem to feel that it was”.Donald Trump has said the deadly explosion in Beirut “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 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 responsibilities 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 Supreme Defence Council recommended declaring Beirut a disaster-stricken city, declaring a two-week state of emergency in the capital and handing over security responsibilities 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, said the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries cannot 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 had enough wheat until imports resume.Lebanon’s economy minister, Raoul Nehme, said the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries cannot 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 had enough wheat until imports resume.
There was confusion among residents over whether the air had become dangerous to breathe. The US embassy in Beirut released a statement advising people to 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 Beirut’s aerosol research lab’s indicators showed air quality levels had returned to “good” by 7pm, however, after showing “moderate” levels of particulate matter an hour earlier.There was confusion among residents over whether the air had become dangerous to breathe. The US embassy in Beirut released a statement advising people to 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 Beirut’s aerosol research lab’s indicators showed air quality levels had returned to “good” by 7pm, however, after showing “moderate” levels of particulate matter an hour earlier.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres sent his condolences, saying, he “wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, including several United Nations personnel working in Lebanon.” At least 48 UN staff were injured in the blast, along with 27 of their dependents.United Nations Secretary General António Guterres sent his condolences, saying, he “wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, including several United Nations personnel working in Lebanon.” At least 48 UN staff were injured in the blast, along with 27 of their dependents.
Governments worldwide have offered support, including the UK, France, Australia, the US, Canada and Israel.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.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.UK prime minister Boris Johnson offered the UK’s support and said that there were British nationals affected by the incident.
Lebanon has been crippled by a number of long-running, seemingly intractable crises for decades. The country endured a devastating 15-year civil war and has often been caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.Lebanon has been crippled by a number of long-running, seemingly intractable crises for decades. The country endured a devastating 15-year civil war and has often been caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.
But the deadly explosion that ripped through the Beirut port on Tuesday – which comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and an economic meltdown – may be the calamity that brings a beleaguered nation to its knees:But the deadly explosion that ripped through the Beirut port on Tuesday – which comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and an economic meltdown – may be the calamity that brings a beleaguered nation to its knees:
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: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: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: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.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.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 moreBeirut 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: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 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: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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.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.“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.