Beirut explosion before and after images 20200806 p5xwvf.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
This was published 6 years ago

Before-and-after satellite images of Beirut explosion show massive devastation

CNN

Powered by

Satellite images from Planet Labs Inc, show a massive crater at the site of the huge explosion in Beirut's port.

The images show nearly every building has either sustained significant damage or has been been destroyed by the blast.

Massive grain silos that sit in the middle of the peninsula are still standing. A large, water-filled crater has replaced the ground where two port buildings stood.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Drone video reveals 'hell-like' landscape

Every building to the immediate south of the port appears to have sustained significant damage. Some barely have their framework still standing and others have been reduced to rubble.

Damage from the explosion reached a peninsula directly east of the blast site. Not only has a building there been blown away, but a boat in front of it appears to have been blown onto its side.

In an adjoining neighborhood to the east there appears to be roof damage as well.

Further west of the site of the explosion more port buildings appear to have suffered significant roof damage.

According to Lebanon's Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, exploded. Ammonium nitrate is a highly explosive material used in fertilisers.

The explosion killed dozens, injured thousands and blew out windows in buildings across Lebanon's capital city.

Advertisement

The blast created a huge mushroom cloud and shockwave that was felt as far away as Cyprus, about 200 kilometres away. It registered as a magnitude 3.3 earthquake.

email icon

Contact us

Share a tip-off, video or photo with us

Most viewed in World

More to explore