Lebanese Authorities Warned of Dangerous Chemicals Two Weeks Before Explosion

Lebanese authorities were aware of the danger posed by explosive chemicals stored in the capital's main port two weeks prior to a devastating explosion that claimed more than 200 lives. Lebanese intelligence services warned the president and the prime minister that 2.7 tons of ammonium nitrate could detonate and destroy half of Beirut as early as July 20, according to a report on the causes of the explosion examined by Reuters.

The explosion that took place on the evening of August 4 resulted in over 200 fatalities and around 6,000 injuries. The blast wave caused significant damage to numerous buildings within the city, with structures near the site being completely destroyed.

The economic crisis that Lebanon is experiencing has deepened. Politically, the situation is just beginning to evolve, as the Lebanese government resigned the day before. The mourning in the days following the disaster has shifted to anger, with citizens blaming the authorities for the incident.