This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On August 4, 2020, a devastating explosion rocked Beirut, Lebanon, claiming at least 27 lives and injuring over 2,500 people.
The Lebanese government has yet to determine the cause of the blast, but Major General Abbas Ibrahim, director of security, suspects a depot at the port where highly explosive materials were stored.
According to General Ibrahim, the likely cause of the explosion was nitrate, a highly explosive material.
However, General Ibrahim refuted claims that Israel was responsible for the blast, and an Israeli minister also denied any involvement, suggesting that the explosion could have been caused by a fire incident.
As hospitals in Lebanon struggle to cope with the influx of injured patients, authorities have called upon medics to volunteer at nearby hospitals.
Lebanon's Prime Minister has declared a national mourning day, and various countries, including Iran, France, Cyprus, and the EU, have pledged support to the affected nation.
WHO has expressed concern over the impact of the explosion and is working with partners to respond to urgent needs.
