Beirut explosion: Death toll from blast rises to 178 with 30 people still missing

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Kit Heren14 August 2020

A total of 178 people have now died following the huge explosion earlier this month in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, with 30 still missing, according to the United Nations.

About 6,000 people are injured, while six hospitals were damaged in the massive blast on August 4, up from initial reports of three, according to a report by the UN's humanitarian affairs agency.

"A preliminary rapid assessment within a 15-kilometre radius of the explosions has revealed that, out of 55 medical facilities, only half are fully operational and around 40% have suffered moderate to serious damage and need rehabilitation," the report said.

The cause of the initial explosion that ignited 2,700 tonnes of volatile ammonium nitrate in the port area of the city remains unclear.

But the country's president and top government officials were aware of the chemical stockpile in the densely-populated area, leaked documents have revealed.

The outrage and political fallout from the blast led to the entire government resigning on August 10, and the country's parliament has since given the military sweeping powers amid growing unrest.

Beirut's infrastructure has been hugely damaged. As well as hospitals, 120 schools, catering to about 50,000 students, were damaged, alongside about 170,000 flats.

The explosion took place against a backdrop of economic turmoil that means people may have trouble refurbishing, the UN said - although more than half of the damaged homes were rented, so residents may be able to look elsewhere.

Food shortages are not expected, the UN added. Beirut's port continues to operate at around 30 per cent, while the port in the city of Tripoli to the north is also functioning, allowing food and other goods to come into the city.

The World Food Programme is also bringing in a three-month supply of wheat flour and grains.

But the UN said that it is concerned about a surge in coronavirus infections, with social distancing rules relaxed during the widespread volunteering to help those affected by the blast, as well as in political protests.

The investigation into the explosion stuttered at the start, amid political infighting and threats of jail for anyone who leaked details of the probe.

And some fear the investigation will target lower-level figures while ignoring senior officials who knew about the deadly chemical stockpile.

French investigators have joined the probe, while the FBI is also expected to take part.

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