How devastating was the Beirut explosion?

Synopsis

Rescuers in Beirut search for survivors after two explosions left much of the city in ruins. The blasts occurred at a warehouse storing tons of ammonium nitrate without safety measures, resulting in at least 100 deaths and thousands injured. Authorities place several Beirut port officials under house arrest, and the government declares a two-week state of emergency. The port, once a vital artery for imports, now lies in devastation, with 300,000 people left homeless. Hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of injured, treating patients in hallways as vital supplies dwindle. Families anxiously await news of their loved ones, many of whom remain unaccounted for. The political leaders call for unity amidst the unprecedented aftermath of this catastrophe, emphasizing the need for strength and calm in a nation already familiar with horror. The cleanup process begins, but officials warn that rebuilding could take years.