A huge explosion in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut has led to widespread destruction and damaged buildings across the city. There have been reports of a “very high number of injuries” after the blast.
The cause of the massive blast that originated near the city’s port is not immediately known but Lebanon’s national news agency said it may have been caused by a fire at a fireworks warehouse.
Massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon
Reportedly in the port area. Prayers up 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t3XEuTTbel— DatPiff (@DatPiff) August 4, 2020
Lebanon is currently grappling with a number of social, political, and economic crises, including the deadly pandemic and a severe economic crisis. Today, Lebanon’s inflation rate exceeded 50 percent per month for the 30th consecutive day. Its spiralling economy and high levels of debt have pushed many Lebanese people to protest in the streets this year as unemployment soars and living conditions continue to deteroitate.
On Friday, the crisis-wearty country is also bracing for a U.N.-backed court to deliver a verdict on the death of its former Sunni Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, who was killed by a truck bomb in 2005. The death of al-Hariri triggered political turmoil for the country’s sectarian political system.
This is a developing story.
