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Today we bring to you an informative article about Beirut Blasts, which has disrupted the country of Lebanon and ultimately resulted in the resignation of the government. So let us find out more…
Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon. On 4th of August, the port of the city witnessed two devastating blasts, which are linked to 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate. According to researchers of Sheffield University, it is one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history.
The Lebanese government had declared a two-week emergency to manage the evacuation, rescue and needful response in the disaster. Protests have erupted across Lebanon against the government for their failure to prevent the explosions. Protests were already going on since 2019 in the country and these fresh protests have given new force to the former.
On 10 August 2020, Prime Minister Hassan Diab and the Lebanese cabinet resigned amid mounting political pressure and the civil protest against the government.
THE BACKGROUND
A Moldovan-flagged cargo ship, named MV Rhosus, owned by the Cyprus-based Russian businessman Igor Grechushkin, had set sail from Georgia to Mozambique, carrying 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate on 27 September 2013. The explosives were ordered by an Explosives company in Mozambique. The ship made port in Beirut on21 November 2013.
The businessman Grechushkin went bankrupt and he abandoned the ship. The Beirut port authority seized the ship on 4 February 2014, due to US$100,000 in unpaid bills by MV Rhosus. In 2014, the 2750 tonne shipment was brought to Warehouse no 12 at the port where it remained for the next six years, till the blasts in 2020.
NEGLIGENCE BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND JUDICIARY
According to Customs officials Mr Koraytem and Mr Badri Daher, they had given multiple warnings about the dangerous situation to the authorities, but to no avail. They had also sent letters to judges requesting a resolution to the issue of the confiscated cargo and proposed that the ammonium nitrate to be exported, given to the army, or sold to the private Lebanese Explosives Company.
But these letters were repeatedly sent back demanding new information. Due to this deadlock, the shipment that caused catastrophic blast remained in Warehouse 12 for 6 long years.
THE EXPLOSIONS
A large fire broke out in Warehouse 12 at the Port of Beirut on 4 August 2020 due to unknown causes. According to some media reports, a “stash” of fireworks was also stored alongside the Ammonium Nitrate shipment.
If Lebanese authorities are to be trusted, the explosion killed at least 220 people, injured more than 7,000 and left an estimated 300,000 people homeless in the capital city itself. Casualties are from more than 22 countries. Around 15 billion dollars’ worth of property is said to be destroyed in the blasts.
The blasts reignited anti-government protests in Lebanon. The alleged negligence by officials has sparked widespread public anger and brought the protestors on the street.
LEBANON’S PROTESTS
Since October 2019, protestors have been on the street against the government’s plans to introduce new taxes on everything from tobacco to social media platforms like WhatsApp. The protests were against wide ranging problems: unstable economy, unemployment and corruption.
Prime Minister Diab with the entire government offered resignation six days later. But instead of taking the responsibility, he blamed the country’s political elite and the political system itself for the catastrophe.
So we have seen how many factors resulted in the Beirut Blasts. It could have been easily prevented if any of the responsible offices or ministries would have done their part to check the shipment and its safety.
But negligence like this is not uncommon. The bridge government which is formed after the resignation of the previous one must first provide required healthcare facilities to the injured, compensate the kin of deceased and repair the damaged buildings. The international community also needs to step up and help the devastated country by all means.
So, now we’re aware with these Blasts.In our next blog, we will be discussing other current issues of national and international importance. If you don’t want to miss out on the next important blog, click here!
Thank You!
