It is very unfortunate when people die out of the government’s negligence. When citizens vote for a leader to rule them, they expect the government to protect them from harm and fulfill their needs. So, when people suffer because of the government’s carelessness, it is more than a betrayal to the people. Ammonium Nitrate Blast is a clear sign.
This is the case in Lebanon, Beirut. Its government carelessly left tonnes of ammonium nitrate in warehouses. The chemical blasted due to unknown reasons and caused a huge disaster in the country.
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is a white chemical compound. The chemical is soluble in water and farmers use it in agricultural activities as a fertilizer. Its other use is as a constituent of explosive mixtures that miners use in mining activities. There are rules and regulations around the storage of this chemical compound, especially on fire resistance.
What Was Lebanon’s State Before The Blast?
Even before the blast, the country was still in crisis. The hospitals were already experiencing some pressure due to the upsurge of coronavirus infections. There was also an economic crisis already. Moreover, there was a daily power outage, lack of clean water for home use, and limited public health institutions.
What was the Source of the Ammonium Nitrate?
7 years ago, the Rhosus entered the capital’s port after suffering tech issues during a trip from Georgia. The port authorities scrutinized the Rhosus and prohibited it from sailing onwards. The owners of the Rhosus later left it there. The goods which it carried was the ammonium nitrate which the authorities put them in a storage facility due to safety concerns. They never knew that was a death trap they were setting for themselves. The cargo remained in the warehouse for more than 5 years.
What Did the Heads of The Port and Customs Authority Say?
The authorities at the port said that they were concerned about the safety of the port and the capital at large. Together with the customs authorities, they wrote to the Judiciary several times. They were requesting that the country should export the ammonium nitrate due to safety reasons.
Protesters Demonstrate after the Blast On Tuesday
The demonstrators clashed with the police at a protest in the capital. The police threw tear gases on the protesters near the National Assembly. The blast that occurred earlier this week is what made the people very angry at the government.
They said the government was careless with the ammonium nitrate. The blast claimed the lives of over 130 people as thousands were in pain and had injuries. The blast destroyed homes, businesses, and districts. Imagine the situation amid this coronavirus pandemic. Some people got lost during the blast.
According to a state news agency, more than 15 people are in detention as part of scrutiny the authorities declared. More than 1 high-ranking officials have left their jobs.
The Views Of Emmanuel Macron
He says the state needs a big turnover in the leadership sector. The French President also came in handy and ordered a foreign investigation process.
Is There Hope Of Finding Any Survivor?
The rescuers are still looking for the victims. The police closed the region around the blast scene. The French rescue team gave people hope as they said there was a probability of locating survivors. More than 250000 people do not have homes as there is an increased fear of lacking food.
The government of Lebanon should come up with strategies of how they can return the country to a better state. Foreign organizations should also intervene and look into the criminal act. As several teams are organizing themselves to clean up the city, people outside Lebanon should help the country heal faster.
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