<p dir="ltr">On 4th August, the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut experienced a massive explosion, reportedly caused by 2,750 tons of seized ammonium nitrate. The explosion <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/lebanon-blast-killed-at-least-137-injured-5000-ministry-870153.html" target="_blank">killed over 137 people</a> and injured over 5,000.</p>.<p dir="ltr">While the chemical is <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/beirut-explosion-what-is-ammonium-nitrate-870083.html" target="_blank">not explosive in itself</a>, when paired with certain foreign substances, it can be used as one.</p>.<p dir="ltr">According to officials, the explosion was caused by a fire started by welders who were working in the building where the ammonium nitrate was stored. Reports of ‘<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/negligence-probed-in-deadly-beirut-blast-amid-public-anger-870097.html" target="_blank">negligence</a>’ in removing said chemical have come out.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Due to the impact, some suspected the explosion was nuclear in nature. However, the theory has hence been proven incorrect.</p>.<p dir="ltr">A two-week emergency has been declared in the city, whilst civilians and officials come to terms with the aftermath of the explosion.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Losses from the blast are estimated to be between $10 billion to $15 billion, Beirut Gov Marwan Abboud has said.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, with reports emerging of doctors treating people in car parks.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Rescue teams continue search operations, looking for people who could be stuck under the rubble.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On 4th August, the capital city of Lebanon, Beirut experienced a massive explosion, reportedly caused by 2,750 tons of seized ammonium nitrate. The explosion <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/lebanon-blast-killed-at-least-137-injured-5000-ministry-870153.html" target="_blank">killed over 137 people</a> and injured over 5,000.</p>.<p dir="ltr">While the chemical is <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/beirut-explosion-what-is-ammonium-nitrate-870083.html" target="_blank">not explosive in itself</a>, when paired with certain foreign substances, it can be used as one.</p>.<p dir="ltr">According to officials, the explosion was caused by a fire started by welders who were working in the building where the ammonium nitrate was stored. Reports of ‘<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/negligence-probed-in-deadly-beirut-blast-amid-public-anger-870097.html" target="_blank">negligence</a>’ in removing said chemical have come out.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Due to the impact, some suspected the explosion was nuclear in nature. However, the theory has hence been proven incorrect.</p>.<p dir="ltr">A two-week emergency has been declared in the city, whilst civilians and officials come to terms with the aftermath of the explosion.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Losses from the blast are estimated to be between $10 billion to $15 billion, Beirut Gov Marwan Abboud has said.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, with reports emerging of doctors treating people in car parks.</p>.<p dir="ltr">Rescue teams continue search operations, looking for people who could be stuck under the rubble.</p>