Beirut explosion: video analysis I FT

Synopsis

It has been more than 24 hours since a massive explosion devastated Beirut, killing at least 135 people and injuring around 5,000. This explosion is the largest ever recorded in Lebanon, a country already grappling with a severe economic crisis. The Lebanese government defaulted on its debts in March, and the local currency has lost 80 percent of its value against the dollar. The explosion was caused by 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate, which had been stored at the port of Beirut for six years despite multiple warnings from customs authorities. The negligence surrounding this hazardous material raises questions about the government's ability to rebuild the city. Public confidence in the authorities is low, especially after mass protests against political corruption began in October of the previous year. As the nation faces this tragedy, many wonder if there is enough public energy left to protest against the state’s failures once again.