Fragile Lebanon hit by a huge explosion in Beirut with many dead and injured

Fragile Lebanon hit by a huge explosion in Beirut with many dead and injured

Kanako Mita and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The nation of Lebanon is extremely fragile because of the economic and political crisis. On top of this, the sectarian dynamic, foreign intrigues, extremely sizeable Palestinian and Syrian communities, cronyism, and other factors point to a nation facing severe problems.

Hence the huge explosion that rocked Beirut comes at a very difficult time. Therefore, with at least 78 people dead – and 4,000 injured – then further tensions will follow.

Lebanese officials are blaming internal failures in a warehouse with 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. Yet, why was this allowed to be stored in a place where a disaster could cause an enormous loss of life?

The BBC reports, “The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon, with an economic crisis reigniting old divisions. Tensions are also high ahead of Friday’s verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.”

It is known that local hospitals came under enormous strain because of the magnitude of the explosion. Thus shock and disbelief hit Beirut while the explosion could be heard huge distances away. Therefore, the death toll is likely to increase further.

The Guardian reports, “The destruction comes as Lebanon is grappling with an economic crisis that has slashed incomes and jobs and led to soaring nationwide poverty, and also amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern border.”

At a time when the standard of living is plummeting and protests frequently break out, then the country is looking fragile. Therefore, while a thorough investigation is being promised, it is another convulsion that is rocking Lebanon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93tV6-0Ugwk – Video of the explosion

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-53656220

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/04/huge-explosion-beirut-lebanon-shatters-windows-rocks-buildings