The deadly Beirut explosion that killed 181 people, wounded thousands more and devastated swaths of the city, left many maimed, mostly because of flying shards of glass and debris.

The blast caught Lebanon at an extremely vulnerable point following months of severe economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-on-the-eyes-beirut-blast-leaves-many-half-blinded-321390">Also read | Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded</a> 
 
Now practitioners are warning of a national mental health emergency as people begin to show signs of trauma from the explosion, including nightmares, flashbacks, crying, anxiety, anger and exhaustion. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-prime-minister-hassan-diabs-government-resigns-over-beirut-blasts-319555" hreflang="en">Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts</a>

Psychologists say this is being exacerbated by the constant stream of images on Lebanese TV and social media showing the blast and its bloody aftermath.

"Every time we say it can't get worse in Lebanon, it somehow does," said Jad Daou, a volunteer with Lebanese mental health NGO Embrace, who mans the phones at its crisis clinic. "A lot of people are feeling hopeless about the entire situation here in Lebanon."

At least 400 people suffered ocular injuries, more than 50 required surgery, and at least 15 have been permanently blinded in one eye, according to data compiled by major hospitals in and around Beirut.

Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The deadly Beirut explosion that killed 181 people, wounded thousands more and devastated swaths of the city, left many maimed, mostly because of flying shards of glass and debris.

The deadly Beirut explosion that killed 181 people, wounded thousands more and devastated swaths of the city, left many maimed, mostly because of flying shards of glass and debris. The blast caught Lebanon at an extremely vulnerable point following months of severe economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read | Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded Now practitioners are warning of a national mental health emergency as people begin to show signs of trauma from the explosion, including nightmares, flashbacks, crying, anxiety, anger and exhaustion. Also read: Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts Psychologists say this is being exacerbated by the constant stream of images on Lebanese TV and social media showing the blast and its bloody aftermath. "Every time we say it can't get worse in Lebanon, it somehow does," said Jad Daou, a volunteer with Lebanese mental health NGO Embrace, who mans the phones at its crisis clinic. "A lot of people are feeling hopeless about the entire situation here in Lebanon." At least 400 people suffered ocular injuries, more than 50 required surgery, and at least 15 have been permanently blinded in one eye, according to data compiled by major hospitals in and around Beirut. Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nightmares, flashbacks, fatigue: Beirut faces mental health crisis after blast 

Hours after a catastrophic blast ripped through Beirut on Aug. 4, hundreds of volunteers fanned out across devastated neighborhoods, caring for the wounded, assessing damaged buildings and clearing rubble

Beirut survivors: The scars and the struggle | Lebanon | Beirut Ground report

Two weeks ago, the cataclysmic explosion, which killed nearly 180 people and injured 6,000, ripped Beirut apart.

300,000 people rendered homeless | Saving Beirut's heritage after blast | WION News

Lebanese Designers Count the Damage of Massive Blast in Beirut. The Designers reported no victims from the explosion, which destroyed their headquarters

Beirut blast aftermath | Elie Saab workshop destroyed In blast

Lebanon's leading Sunni cleric on Wednesday joined calls for early parliamentary elections and an international investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port, which he said deepened the country's existential crisis.&nbsp;

At least 179 people were killed and 300,000 left effectively homeless when massive amounts of highly explosive material stored unsafely for years detonated early this month, destroying swathes of the city and prompting the government's resignation amid mass protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/post-blast-lebanon-says-hospitals-nearly-at-covid-19-capacity-321222" hreflang="en">Post-blast Lebanon says hospitals nearly at COVID-19 capacity</a>

"The existential threat to Lebanon requires urgent attention: an international investigation to delineate responsibilities and restore confidence," said Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian.&nbsp;

The president must adhere to the will of the people and conduct parliamentary consultations to name a new prime minister, he added.

On Sunday, Lebanon's top Christian cleric called for early parliamentary elections, saying Lebanon was today facing "its biggest danger".

Leading politicians who were not part of the now caretaker government, which had support from Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies, have called for an international investigation.

Lebanon's leading Sunni cleric on Wednesday joined calls for early parliamentary elections and an international investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port, which he said deepened the country's existential crisis.

Lebanon's leading Sunni cleric on Wednesday joined calls for early parliamentary elections and an international investigation into the explosion at the Beirut port, which he said deepened the country's existential crisis. At least 179 people were killed and 300,000 left effectively homeless when massive amounts of highly explosive material stored unsafely for years detonated early this month, destroying swathes of the city and prompting the government's resignation amid mass protests. Also read: Post-blast Lebanon says hospitals nearly at COVID-19 capacity "The existential threat to Lebanon requires urgent attention: an international investigation to delineate responsibilities and restore confidence," said Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. The president must adhere to the will of the people and conduct parliamentary consultations to name a new prime minister, he added. On Sunday, Lebanon's top Christian cleric called for early parliamentary elections, saying Lebanon was today facing "its biggest danger". Leading politicians who were not part of the now caretaker government, which had support from Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies, have called for an international investigation.

Lebanon's top Sunni cleric urges international investigation into blast

The massive blast that hit Lebanon's capital on August 4 damaged much of the city and sparked violent protests against the authorities.

Lebanon: Blast prompts exodus from Beirut | WION Ground Report | World News

The deadly Beirut explosion that killed 177 people, wounded thousands more and devastated swaths of the city, left many maimed, mostly because of flying shards of glass and debris.

Your Story: Beirut blast | Stories of loss & suffering | World News

A United Nations-backed tribunal is all set to deliver the long-awaited verdict in the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's assassination.

UN-backed court to issue verdict today: Rafik Hariri assassination verdict

Residents of Beirut held Sunday mass at the site of a devastating blast nearly two weeks ago. The residents mourned the lives lost in the blast. Watch report.

Mass held at site of Beirut blast: Residents mourn lives lost

Lebanon has issued an arrest warrant for a customs official in connection with the blasts in Beirut which shook the city.&nbsp;AFP reported that a Lebanese judge has put out a warrant against customs director-general Badri Daher.

Daher had been kept in detention for over ten days in the aftermath of the August 4 explosion which led to the deaths of 177 people, and injured 6,500 people. The city suffered major damage due to the blast.

Explosives kept negligently&nbsp;

Most widely, a stuck stock of explosive ammonium nitrate stored unsecured in a port side warehouse for years has been blamed for the attack, citing negligence and corruption.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lebanon-prime-minister-hassan-diabs-government-resigns-over-beirut-blasts-319555" hreflang="en">Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts</a>

The judicial source told AFP that the judge Fadi Sawan interrogated Daher for four hours before the warrant was issued.

As per Lebanese law, one can be detained and questioned before they are formally arrested. The charges against Daher have not been revealed yet.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/sunday-mass-held-near-beirut-port-in-memory-of-blast-victims-321258/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many more to be interrogated

Ghassan Queidat, a public prosecutor had filed lawsuits against 25 suspects after the blasts occurred. Out of these, 19 are currently in custody. These include the city port’s general manager Hassan Koraytem, who will be interrogated on Tuesday.

Additionally, former Lebanese customs director Shafic Merhi, port security head Mohammad Al-Awf and port warehouse manager Michel Nakhoul will also face the judge soon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/nasa-maps-beirut-blast-damage-through-satellite-images-319647" hreflang="en">NASA maps Beirut blast damage through satellite images</a>

The Beirut blast was so powerful that it was felt as far away as northern Israel and Cyprus (240 km away), and measured as a 4.5 local magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale by the Seismological Observatory in Jordan.&nbsp;

Observers estimate that the blast had an explosive yield of between 200 and 500 hundred tonnes of TNT.

The city which has been reeling in economic hardships and the recent surge in coronavirus cases has now been laid to waste as blasts occurred at a port warehouses storing highly explosive material.

Lebanon has issued an arrest warrant for a customs official in connection with the blasts in Beirut which shook the city. AFP reported that a Lebanese judge has put out a warrant against customs director-general Badri Daher.

Lebanon has issued an arrest warrant for a customs official in connection with the blasts in Beirut which shook the city. AFP reported that a Lebanese judge has put out a warrant against customs director-general Badri Daher. Daher had been kept in detention for over ten days in the aftermath of the August 4 explosion which led to the deaths of 177 people, and injured 6,500 people. The city suffered major damage due to the blast. Explosives kept negligently Most widely, a stuck stock of explosive ammonium nitrate stored unsecured in a port side warehouse for years has been blamed for the attack, citing negligence and corruption. Also read: Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts The judicial source told AFP that the judge Fadi Sawan interrogated Daher for four hours before the warrant was issued. As per Lebanese law, one can be detained and questioned before they are formally arrested. The charges against Daher have not been revealed yet. Many more to be interrogated Ghassan Queidat, a public prosecutor had filed lawsuits against 25 suspects after the blasts occurred. Out of these, 19 are currently in custody. These include the city port’s general manager Hassan Koraytem, who will be interrogated on Tuesday. Additionally, former Lebanese customs director Shafic Merhi, port security head Mohammad Al-Awf and port warehouse manager Michel Nakhoul will also face the judge soon. Also read: NASA maps Beirut blast damage through satellite images The Beirut blast was so powerful that it was felt as far away as northern Israel and Cyprus (240 km away), and measured as a 4.5 local magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale by the Seismological Observatory in Jordan. Observers estimate that the blast had an explosive yield of between 200 and 500 hundred tonnes of TNT. The city which has been reeling in economic hardships and the recent surge in coronavirus cases has now been laid to waste as blasts occurred at a port warehouses storing highly explosive material.

As interrogations begin in Beirut blast probe, arrest warrant put out for customs official

Two decades of Maya Husseini's work to restore stained glass windows destroyed in the Lebanese civil war was lost in an instant in the seismic port explosion in Beirut.

A life’s work shattered: stained glass artist counts cost of Beirut blast

Residents of Beirut on Sunday (August 16) held mass at the site of the blast that devastated the Lebanese capital almost two weeks ago.

Sunday mass held near Beirut port in memory of blast victims

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted. 
 
"Public and private hospitals in the capital in particular have a very limited capacity, whether in terms of beds in intensive care units or respirators," the minister, Hamad Hassan, told a press conference. 
 
"We are on the brink, we don't have the luxury to take our time," he warned, calling for authorities to take the "hard decision" to impose a new two-week lockdown to stem the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-calls-for-credible-probe-into-overwhelming-beirut-blast-320924" hreflang="en">US calls for credible probe into 'overwhelming' Beirut blast</a> 
 
Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. 
 
The disaster -- which killed 177 people and wounded more than 6,500, many by falling debris and flying glass as windows shattered -- caused pandemonium in the capital's already pandemic-stretched hospitals. 
 
Lebanon reported a record 439 new infections on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 8,881, including 103 deaths since the start of the outbreak in February. 
 
A previously planned lockdown was scrapped in the wake of the explosion. 
 
"In the capital, the intensive care units and the departments set up for the coronavirus in public hospitals are full," the minister told Voice of Lebanon radio earlier. 
 
"In most private hospitals that receive coronavirus patients, intensive care unit beds are occupied" already by COVID-19 patients, he added.

'Out of service' 
The minister said the situation was exacerbated after several Beirut hospitals were hit by the colossal port explosion and left "out of service". 
 
The World Health Organization on August 12 said more than half of 55 healthcare facilities evaluated by the agency were "non-functional," three major hospitals were out of operation and another three were running at well below normal capacity. 
 
The minister said chaos in Beirut after the blast, Lebanon's worst peacetime disaster, made it difficult to enforce compliance with pandemic precautionary and preventive measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/beirut-blast-india-sends-58-mt-relief-to-lebanon-320522" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon</a> 
 
"Our ability to control behaviour in the face of the virus is more limited," the minister said. 
 
He cited in particular "families going to hospitals to look for the wounded or missing," but also the mobilisation of healthcare workers and citizens to seek or provide aid after the blast. 
 
The explosion was caused by a fire in a warehouse where, according to the authorities, a huge amount of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years. 
 
Since the explosion, thousands of volunteers have helped clean up rubble-strewn streets and distribute aid, while protesters have taken to the streets against the government, which is widely blamed for the negligence that led to the explosion.&nbsp; 
 
Health officials have warned that the chaos caused by the blast risked leading to a further spike in infections. 
 
The head of a major public hospital, Firass Abiad, has cautioned that, as attention has shifted away from the pandemic after the explosion disaster, "we cannot afford to allow the virus to go unchecked".

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted.

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted. "Public and private hospitals in the capital in particular have a very limited capacity, whether in terms of beds in intensive care units or respirators," the minister, Hamad Hassan, told a press conference. "We are on the brink, we don't have the luxury to take our time," he warned, calling for authorities to take the "hard decision" to impose a new two-week lockdown to stem the spread of the virus. Also read: US calls for credible probe into 'overwhelming' Beirut blast Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. The disaster -- which killed 177 people and wounded more than 6,500, many by falling debris and flying glass as windows shattered -- caused pandemonium in the capital's already pandemic-stretched hospitals. Lebanon reported a record 439 new infections on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 8,881, including 103 deaths since the start of the outbreak in February. A previously planned lockdown was scrapped in the wake of the explosion. "In the capital, the intensive care units and the departments set up for the coronavirus in public hospitals are full," the minister told Voice of Lebanon radio earlier. "In most private hospitals that receive coronavirus patients, intensive care unit beds are occupied" already by COVID-19 patients, he added. 'Out of service' The minister said the situation was exacerbated after several Beirut hospitals were hit by the colossal port explosion and left "out of service". The World Health Organization on August 12 said more than half of 55 healthcare facilities evaluated by the agency were "non-functional," three major hospitals were out of operation and another three were running at well below normal capacity. The minister said chaos in Beirut after the blast, Lebanon's worst peacetime disaster, made it difficult to enforce compliance with pandemic precautionary and preventive measures. Also read: Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon "Our ability to control behaviour in the face of the virus is more limited," the minister said. He cited in particular "families going to hospitals to look for the wounded or missing," but also the mobilisation of healthcare workers and citizens to seek or provide aid after the blast. The explosion was caused by a fire in a warehouse where, according to the authorities, a huge amount of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years. Since the explosion, thousands of volunteers have helped clean up rubble-strewn streets and distribute aid, while protesters have taken to the streets against the government, which is widely blamed for the negligence that led to the explosion. Health officials have warned that the chaos caused by the blast risked leading to a further spike in infections. The head of a major public hospital, Firass Abiad, has cautioned that, as attention has shifted away from the pandemic after the explosion disaster, "we cannot afford to allow the virus to go unchecked".

Post-blast Lebanon says hospitals nearly at COVID-19 capacity

The United States called on Saturday for a transparent and credible investigation into the massive port blast in Beirut and said the country would only get financial support when Lebanese leaders commit to reforms.

The August 4 blast, which the authorities say was caused by more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that had been unsafely stored at the port for years, killed 178 people, injured 6,000 and left 300,000 homeless.

“We can never go back to an era in which anything goes at the port or the borders of Lebanon that had to contribute to this situation,” said David Hale, U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, after visiting the port.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/seismic-data-suggests-string-of-blasts-preceded-beirut-explosion-320805">Also watch:&nbsp;Seismic data suggests string of blasts preceded Beirut explosion</a>

He added that FBI agents would be arriving this weekend, at the invitation of Lebanon, to help investigate what led to the explosion.

The blast has fuelled anger at Lebanon’s ruling politicians who were already facing criticism over a financial meltdown that has sunk the currency, demolished the value of savings and left depositors unable to withdraw their money.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-beirut-to-get-50000-tonnes-of-food-un-food-aid-world-news-320260">Also watch:&nbsp;Lebanon: Beirut to get 50,000 tonnes of food | U.N food aid</a>

“When we see Lebanese leaders committed to real change, change in word and deed, America and its international partners will respond to systemic reforms with sustained financial support,” Hale said.&nbsp;

“The popular demand for real change could not be clearer.”

President Michel Aoun has said a probe will look into whether the cause of the blast was negligence, an accident or “external interference”.

“They won’t do a thing in an investigation and the whole world knows that,” said painter Mohammed Khodr, as he helped repair a restaurant damaged in the blast.

The heavily armed, Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States, said on Friday it would wait for results of the official Lebanese investigation into the blast.

The United States called on Saturday for a transparent and credible investigation into the massive port blast in Beirut and said the country would only get financial support when Lebanese leaders commit to reforms.

The United States called on Saturday for a transparent and credible investigation into the massive port blast in Beirut and said the country would only get financial support when Lebanese leaders commit to reforms. The August 4 blast, which the authorities say was caused by more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that had been unsafely stored at the port for years, killed 178 people, injured 6,000 and left 300,000 homeless. “We can never go back to an era in which anything goes at the port or the borders of Lebanon that had to contribute to this situation,” said David Hale, U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, after visiting the port. Also watch: Seismic data suggests string of blasts preceded Beirut explosion He added that FBI agents would be arriving this weekend, at the invitation of Lebanon, to help investigate what led to the explosion. The blast has fuelled anger at Lebanon’s ruling politicians who were already facing criticism over a financial meltdown that has sunk the currency, demolished the value of savings and left depositors unable to withdraw their money. Also watch: Lebanon: Beirut to get 50,000 tonnes of food | U.N food aid “When we see Lebanese leaders committed to real change, change in word and deed, America and its international partners will respond to systemic reforms with sustained financial support,” Hale said. “The popular demand for real change could not be clearer.” President Michel Aoun has said a probe will look into whether the cause of the blast was negligence, an accident or “external interference”. “They won’t do a thing in an investigation and the whole world knows that,” said painter Mohammed Khodr, as he helped repair a restaurant damaged in the blast. The heavily armed, Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States, said on Friday it would wait for results of the official Lebanese investigation into the blast.

US calls for credible probe into 'overwhelming' Beirut blast

Seismological data suggests that six blasts preceded the Beirut port explosion, the last of them a combustion of fireworks that apparently set off a warehouse full of ammonium nitrate, an Israeli analyst said on Thursday.

Seismic data suggests string of blasts preceded Beirut explosion

Take a look at the 29 seconds of the shock for Beirut residents at a shopping complex. CCTV captures the raw moments just before and ahead of the explosion which hit Beirut at 6.09 PM local time.

WION Exclusive: Visuals capturing Beirut explosion wreaking havoc on shopping complex

This is what it looks like a week after the explosion that devasted Beirut as repair work underway at a shopping complex.

WION Exclusive: Repair work continues at Beirut explosion-hit shopping complex

After ten days of the Beirut blast, an Israeli seismological and munitions expert has now said that a series of small 6 blasts preceded the major blast. Watch report.

Israeli expert makes a stunning claim: '6 small blasts preceded Beirut blast

60 heritage sites risk collapse after Beirut blast

Stepping into the delivery room where his wife Emmanuelle was about to give birth, Edmond Khnaisser meant to capture their son's first moments on camera. Instead, he recorded the instant the biggest blast in Lebanon's history sent whole windows crashing onto his 28 year-old wife's hospital bed.

The story behind "miracle" baby George: a baby as old as Beirut's blast 

Experts say a critical food shortage is imminent about a week after a massive blast devastated the port of Beirut

Lebanon: Beirut to get 50,000 tonnes of food | U.N food aid | World News

Lebanon has been witnessing a steady spike in the COVID-19 infections in the aftermath of last week's explosion in Beirut. The country recorded its highest single-day caseload by 309 new cases with 7 fatalities.

Beirut blast scales back social distancing: Lebanon's hospitals at risk of being overrun

The government of Lebanon has resigned - as demonstrations broke out again in central Beirut. The protesters want the political elite to be punished for the blasts. WION gets you a ground report from Beirut.

Gravitas: WION reports from Beirut: Lebanon government resigns

The wife of the Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon is among the victims of the blast in Beirut. Some foreigners had a brush with fate, but lived to tell the tale. WION gets you a ground report from Beirut.

Gravitas: WION reports from Beirut: Foreigners Recount The Blast

Officials in Lebanon had warned the prime minister and president of the risks posed by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was kept in Beirut’s port and allegedly led to the explosion. The documents were seen by Reuters and further claimed that security officials also warned that it could decimate the capital if things went awry.

Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab,&nbsp;61, on August 10 announced the resignation of his government after four cabinet ministers quit amid street protests in the aftermath of the Beirut blasts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wion-reports-from-beirut-lebanon-government-resigns-319581/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Government resigns

"I declare today the resignation of this government," Diab announced as anger poured into the street after the blasts in Lebanon's capital.

Hassan Diab, the PM of the country had earlier said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lebanon-prime-minister-hassan-diabs-government-resigns-over-beirut-blasts-319555" hreflang="en">Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts</a>

Meanwhile, France called for "rapid formation"&nbsp;of new government in Lebanon.

Lebanon finance minister Ghazi Wazni was the latest to resign from the government after the justice minister Marie Claude Najem, information minister Manal Abdel Samad and environment minister Damianos Kattar had resigned earlier.&nbsp;

160+ killed

According to the health ministry, at least 160 people were killed in the Beirut blasts last week which ignited protests against the government. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/beirut-blast-india-to-send-relief-and-humanitarian-supplies-to-lebanon-319559" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: India to send relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon</a>

Michel Aoun, the president had claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”.

Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Officials in Lebanon had warned the prime minister and president of the risks posed by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was kept in Beirut’s port and allegedly led to the explosion.

Officials in Lebanon had warned the prime minister and president of the risks posed by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was kept in Beirut’s port and allegedly led to the explosion. The documents were seen by Reuters and further claimed that security officials also warned that it could decimate the capital if things went awry. Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab, 61, on August 10 announced the resignation of his government after four cabinet ministers quit amid street protests in the aftermath of the Beirut blasts. Government resigns "I declare today the resignation of this government," Diab announced as anger poured into the street after the blasts in Lebanon's capital. Hassan Diab, the PM of the country had earlier said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”. Also read: Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government resigns over Beirut blasts Meanwhile, France called for "rapid formation" of new government in Lebanon. Lebanon finance minister Ghazi Wazni was the latest to resign from the government after the justice minister Marie Claude Najem, information minister Manal Abdel Samad and environment minister Damianos Kattar had resigned earlier. 160+ killed According to the health ministry, at least 160 people were killed in the Beirut blasts last week which ignited protests against the government. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened. Also read: Beirut blast: India to send relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon Michel Aoun, the president had claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”. Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Lebanese leaders were informed of risk posed by explosives at port in July: Reports

Its been almost one week since the deadly explosion in Beirut took place and the hope of finding survivors now is diminishing. Tensions have now turned to the ruling elite of Lebanon. The anti-govt protests have resumed in full swing. Watch report.

Beirut Explosions: 158 killed , 6000 injured | Resentment pours out on the streets | Ground Report

Lebanon's government has stepped down as Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed endemic corruption for a devastating explosion last week that tore through the capital.

Beirut Blast: Political upheaval takes centrestage | Lebanon Cabinet resigns | WION

Its been four weeks since the deadly blast in Beirut. The chances of finding any survivors in the rubble are negligible. The anger on the streets is growing and families of those missing are blaming the government's efforts.

21 still missing days after Beirut blast: Families slam govt rescue efforts

Lebanese police fired tear gas to try to disperse rock-throwing protesters blocking a road near parliament in Beirut on Sunday in a second day of anti-government demonstrations triggered by last week's devastating explosion.

Fire broke out at an entrance to Parliament Square as demonstrators tried to break into a cordoned-off area, TV footage showed. Protesters also broke into the housing and transport ministry offices.

Two government ministers resigned amid the political fallout of the blast and months of economic crisis, saying the government had failed to reform.

Tuesday's explosion of more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate killed 158 people and injured more than 6,000, compounding months of political and economic collapse and prompting furious calls for the government to quit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-lebanon-to-hold-transparent-investigation-into-blast-319274" hreflang="en">Trump calls for Lebanon to hold 'transparent investigation' into blast</a>

Riot police wearing body armour and carrying batons clashed with demonstrators as thousands converged on Parliament Square and nearby Martyrs' Square, a Reuters correspondent said.

"We gave these leaders so many chances to help us and they always failed. We want them all out, especially Hezbollah, because it's a militia and just intimidates people with its weapons," Walid Jamal, an unemployed demonstrator, said, referring to the country's most influential Iran-backed armed grouping that has ministers in the government.

The country's top Christian Maronite cleric, Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, said the cabinet should resign as it cannot "change the way it governs".

"The resignation of an MP or a minister is not enough ... the whole government should resign as it is unable to help the country recover," he said in his Sunday sermon.

Lebanon's environment minister resigned on Sunday, saying the government had lost a number of opportunities to reform, a statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-future-at-stake-macron-tells-donor-countries-during-un-backed-conference-319251" hreflang="en">'Lebanon's future at stake': Macron tells donor countries during UN-backed conference</a>

Damianos Kattar's departure follows the resignation of Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad earlier on Sunday&nbsp;in the wake of the explosion.

Anger boiled over into violent scenes in central Beirut on Saturday. Those protests were the biggest since October when thousands of people took to the streets to demand an end to corruption, bad governance and mismanagement.

About 10,000 people gathered at Martyrs' Square, which was transformed into a battle zone in the evening between police and protesters who tried to break down a barrier along a road leading to parliament. Some demonstrators stormed government ministries and the Association of Lebanese Banks.&nbsp;

One policeman was killed and the Red Cross said more than 170 people were injured in clashes.

'CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT'

"The police fired at me. But that won't stop us from demonstrating until we change the government from top to bottom," Younis Flayti, 55, a retired army officer, said on Sunday.

Nearby, mechanic Sabir Jamali sat beside a noose attached to a wooden frame in Martyrs' Square, intended as a symbolic warning to Lebanese leaders to resign or face hanging.

"Every leader who oppresses us should be hanged," he said, adding he will protest again.

Lawyer Maya Habli surveyed the demolished port.

"People should sleep in the streets and demonstrate against the government until it falls," she said.

The prime minister and presidency have said 2,750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, which is used in making fertilisers and bombs, had been stored for six years without safety measures at the port warehouse.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-information-minister-quits-in-wake-of-beirut-explosion-319243" hreflang="en">Lebanon information minister quits in wake of Beirut explosion</a>

The government has said it will hold those responsible to account.

An emergency donor conference in France raised pledges worth nearly 253 million euros ($298 million) for immediate humanitarian relief, the French presidency said.

For many, the blast was a dreadful reminder of the 1975-1990 civil war that tore the nation apart and destroyed swathes of Beirut, much of which has since been rebuilt.

"I worked in Kuwait for 15 years in sanitation to save money and build a gift shop in Lebanon and it was destroyed by the explosion," said Maroun Shehadi.

"Nothing will change until our leaders just leave."

Lebanese police fired tear gas to try to disperse rock-throwing protesters blocking a road near parliament in Beirut on Sunday in a second day of anti-government demonstrations triggered by last week's devastating explosion.

Lebanese police fired tear gas to try to disperse rock-throwing protesters blocking a road near parliament in Beirut on Sunday in a second day of anti-government demonstrations triggered by last week's devastating explosion. Fire broke out at an entrance to Parliament Square as demonstrators tried to break into a cordoned-off area, TV footage showed. Protesters also broke into the housing and transport ministry offices. Two government ministers resigned amid the political fallout of the blast and months of economic crisis, saying the government had failed to reform. Tuesday's explosion of more than 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate killed 158 people and injured more than 6,000, compounding months of political and economic collapse and prompting furious calls for the government to quit. Also read: Trump calls for Lebanon to hold 'transparent investigation' into blast Riot police wearing body armour and carrying batons clashed with demonstrators as thousands converged on Parliament Square and nearby Martyrs' Square, a Reuters correspondent said. "We gave these leaders so many chances to help us and they always failed. We want them all out, especially Hezbollah, because it's a militia and just intimidates people with its weapons," Walid Jamal, an unemployed demonstrator, said, referring to the country's most influential Iran-backed armed grouping that has ministers in the government. The country's top Christian Maronite cleric, Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, said the cabinet should resign as it cannot "change the way it governs". "The resignation of an MP or a minister is not enough ... the whole government should resign as it is unable to help the country recover," he said in his Sunday sermon. Lebanon's environment minister resigned on Sunday, saying the government had lost a number of opportunities to reform, a statement said. Also read: 'Lebanon's future at stake': Macron tells donor countries during UN-backed conference Damianos Kattar's departure follows the resignation of Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad earlier on Sunday in the wake of the explosion. Anger boiled over into violent scenes in central Beirut on Saturday. Those protests were the biggest since October when thousands of people took to the streets to demand an end to corruption, bad governance and mismanagement. About 10,000 people gathered at Martyrs' Square, which was transformed into a battle zone in the evening between police and protesters who tried to break down a barrier along a road leading to parliament. Some demonstrators stormed government ministries and the Association of Lebanese Banks. One policeman was killed and the Red Cross said more than 170 people were injured in clashes. 'CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT' "The police fired at me. But that won't stop us from demonstrating until we change the government from top to bottom," Younis Flayti, 55, a retired army officer, said on Sunday. Nearby, mechanic Sabir Jamali sat beside a noose attached to a wooden frame in Martyrs' Square, intended as a symbolic warning to Lebanese leaders to resign or face hanging. "Every leader who oppresses us should be hanged," he said, adding he will protest again. Lawyer Maya Habli surveyed the demolished port. "People should sleep in the streets and demonstrate against the government until it falls," she said. The prime minister and presidency have said 2,750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, which is used in making fertilisers and bombs, had been stored for six years without safety measures at the port warehouse. Also read: Lebanon information minister quits in wake of Beirut explosion The government has said it will hold those responsible to account. An emergency donor conference in France raised pledges worth nearly 253 million euros ($298 million) for immediate humanitarian relief, the French presidency said. For many, the blast was a dreadful reminder of the 1975-1990 civil war that tore the nation apart and destroyed swathes of Beirut, much of which has since been rebuilt. "I worked in Kuwait for 15 years in sanitation to save money and build a gift shop in Lebanon and it was destroyed by the explosion," said Maroun Shehadi. "Nothing will change until our leaders just leave."

Beirut police fire tear gas as protesters regroup and two ministers quit

Lebanon's justice minister resigned on Monday, becoming the third from the cabinet to quit following the deadly explosion in the capital Beirut.&nbsp;

Marie Claude Najem handed over her resignation to Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose government is scheduled to meet today in the evening to discuss the blast on August 4 that killed at least 158 people and injured about 6,000.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-lebanon-to-hold-transparent-investigation-into-blast-319274">Trump calls for Lebanon to hold 'transparent investigation' into blast</a>

Earlier on Thursday, Najem visited the site of the incident, where she faced a group of angry protesters, who hurled bottles towards her, asking her to leave the place.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commission-doubles-its-lebanon-aid-to-63-million-euros-319268">European Commission doubles its Lebanon aid to 63 million euros</a>

On Sunday, information minister Manal Abdel Samad and environment minister Damianos Kattar resigned as escalating protests against Diab government continue to rise.&nbsp;

Earlier, hundreds of demonstrators on Monday too gathered around Martyrs' Square near the port that saw the explosion amid the rising anger against the government.&nbsp;

"Those who died paid the price of a state that doesn't care about anything except power and money," said Tamara, 23, a protester who lost her friend Rawan, 20, in the blast, as quoted by news agency AFP.

"It's not enough that ministers resign," said her friend Michel.

Police started firing teargas after protesters threw stones towards them and carried out fireworks near a street leading to Parliament.&nbsp;

Lebanon's justice minister resigned on Monday, becoming the third from the cabinet to quit following the deadly explosion in the capital Beirut. Marie Claude Najem handed over her resignation to Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose government is scheduled to meet today in the evening to discuss the blast on August 4 that killed at least 158 people and injured about 6,000.

Lebanon's justice minister resigned on Monday, becoming the third from the cabinet to quit following the deadly explosion in the capital Beirut. Marie Claude Najem handed over her resignation to Prime Minister Hassan Diab, whose government is scheduled to meet today in the evening to discuss the blast on August 4 that killed at least 158 people and injured about 6,000. Also read | Trump calls for Lebanon to hold 'transparent investigation' into blast Earlier on Thursday, Najem visited the site of the incident, where she faced a group of angry protesters, who hurled bottles towards her, asking her to leave the place. Also read | European Commission doubles its Lebanon aid to 63 million euros On Sunday, information minister Manal Abdel Samad and environment minister Damianos Kattar resigned as escalating protests against Diab government continue to rise. Earlier, hundreds of demonstrators on Monday too gathered around Martyrs' Square near the port that saw the explosion amid the rising anger against the government. "Those who died paid the price of a state that doesn't care about anything except power and money," said Tamara, 23, a protester who lost her friend Rawan, 20, in the blast, as quoted by news agency AFP. "It's not enough that ministers resign," said her friend Michel. Police started firing teargas after protesters threw stones towards them and carried out fireworks near a street leading to Parliament.

Now, Lebanon's justice minister quits amid protests over Beirut blasts

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