On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion took place in Beirut, Lebanon, leaving more than 200 people dead (and counting), 4000 injured, and over 300,000 homeless after several blocks of the city were destroyed.
The blast, which took place at the Port of Beirut, was caused by an estimated 2,750 tons of explosive ammonium nitrate that was being stored at the port since 2014. The port was a primary economic source for Lebanon, which imports the vast majority of its food supplies (including 90 percent of its wheat). The explosions destroyed the main grain silo, which holds approximately 85 percent of the country’s cereals.