How did the 2020 Beirut explosion affect homes and infrastructure in the city?

The 2020 Beirut explosion caused catastrophic damage to the city’s infrastructure and housing, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced or homeless.12

The blast, which resulted from the detonation of improperly stored ammonium nitrate at the port, devastated surrounding neighborhoods. The physical impact was severe:32
* Housing: The explosion left approximately 300,000 to 500,000 people homeless. Many residential buildings were battered, with some luxurious skyscrapers reduced to exposed concrete columns.12
* Infrastructure: Streets were obstructed by extensive rubble and wreckage, and vehicles were crushed by the force of the blast.2

This destruction occurred during a period of intense financial and political crisis, exacerbating the suffering of residents who were already struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability. The failure of authorities to prevent this tragedy through proper safety measures remains a point of significant public outcry, with victims' families and international organizations continuing to demand accountability and transparency for the loss of life and property.421