Huge explosion in Beirut

Absolutely mental. Seen various videos, can’t believe the destruction it caused. It reminded me of a tv programme about explosion and how destructive the shockwave of an explosion can be. Must have been truly terrifying to be anywhere near ground zero.

Most countries will offer to send help in emergency, especially the usual ones like the U.K. and European countries. Doesn’t surprise me about Israel, they regularly send aid like the countries I mentioned to countries in need during a crisis.

One of the big problems will be supplying the country with food. All the grain they use is imported and stored in the now destroyed silo at the port. Heard a doctor say today that their medical supplies came through the port. It will cost billions to recover but their economy was already in dire straights and corruption is rife.

Death toll now risen to 135 can only hope it does not rise much higher but with 4,000 injuries we can only pray climbs no further.

But questions have to be asked: - 1) why so much was stored in on one warehouse 2)where did it exactly come from 3) who could have possibly needed so much? an finally 4) if it was on a cargo ship where was it possibly headed to as a final destination if it transpires it was hidden in Lebanon for someone to collect or send a ship for it at a later date?

And how easy it is it to acquire on the black market or open market without raising any suspicions?

(05-08-2020 16:33 )Chrisst Wrote:  Question, do you live near an industrial estate? Do you know what's stored there?

A fair question mate
I have to admit the nearest industrial estate to me is about what a mile and half from me but a pub and Aldi are in close proximity to it but I don't think many companies have dealings in chemicals I think.
I would say now Canary Wharf has already been attacked once and I hope they are looking closely at this incident and probably it may force them to be on alert after this, and start looking to see if there are any warehouses there that may still be holding this stuff and if so will any action taken to ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

In this country buyers of this and also hair peroxide (after tube bombings) are scrutinised. However you can just visit a lot of shops to purchase enough peroxide for evil deeds. No doubt you could purchase enough of this if you spread your purchases around to create havoc. Even sugar and flour (anything with protein) will amplify a minor explosion. There was a guy many years ago was trying to rob a large bakery in London, he used a small piece of explosive on safe, used bags of flour to deaden the sound of explosion. Brought the whole building down, including the flats above.

It's frightening actually how small everyday things can be used for things like that. I would imagine if you spread it around enough at different intervals, it wouldn't look so suspicious to the shops or the police.

You can buy Ammonium Nitrate by the lorry load, literally, if you have a legitimate use for it.

what would construe a legitimate use?