On August 4, 2020, a large explosion occurs in Beirut, Lebanon, due to ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical. This dangerous substance had been stored at the port without proper safety measures for six long years. The ammonium nitrate was originally confiscated in 2014 from a cargo ship named MV Rhosus. On the day of the disaster, a fire starts in a nearby warehouse, causing the ammonium nitrate to ignite. The explosion results in at least 218 deaths and about 7,000 injuries. Additionally, approximately 300,000 people lose their homes. The destruction is immense, and the total damage is estimated at 15 billion dollars, making it one of the most powerful explosions ever recorded. The blast releases energy equal to 1.1 kilotons of TNT, creating a shockwave that is felt in nearby countries like Syria and Israel, showing its incredible power. In response to this disaster, the Lebanese government quickly declares a state of emergency for two weeks. Protests grow among citizens who are angry about the safety issues that allowed such an event to happen. If the government had addressed safety concerns earlier, many lives might have been saved. On August 10, 2020, Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigns along with his cabinet, leading to increased scrutiny of officials and their actions. This incident raises serious questions about government responsibility and safety regulations that many believe need urgent reform. The situation remains tense as people demand accountability and a rebuild of their city.
B1 · Intermediate · 242 words · ~2 min
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- ammonium nitrate
- a chemical compound often used in fertilizers and explosives that can be very dangerous if not handled properly.
- detonate
- to explode or cause to explode.
- confiscated
- taken away, usually by authority for legal reasons.
- magnitude
- the size or extent of something, often used to measure earthquakes.
- silos
- structures for storing grain or other materials.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What caused the explosion in Beirut?
2.How long had the ammonium nitrate been stored at the port?
3.What was the estimated damage from the explosion?
















































