Urban explorer shares haunting photos of abandoned Port of Beirut one year after tragic explosion.
One year on from the devastating blast in Lebanon’s capital, an urban explorer has shared haunting photographs of the abandoned wreckage.
On 4 August 2020, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Beirut’s port killing at least 217 people and injuring a further 7,000.
The fatal explosion displaced 300,000 people and caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings up to 20km away on the outskirts of the area.
To mark the tragic anniversary and raise awareness of the citizens’ ongoing struggle, Roman Robroek, an explorer and photographer, visited the city to capture a set of soul-stirring images.
In collaboration with the Heritage Management Organization and Silat for Culture, Robroek’s photos show the once bustling port now broken and deserted.
The Holiday Inn, formerly a hotspot for tourists and local jobs, lies devastated with huge holes in the walls, missing windows and sides of the building gone completely.
More than 800 buildings in a huge area of Beirut were affected by the blast, with even houses further away on the outskirts of the city suffering major to minor damages.
“Today, citizens and residents are still struggling to gather material and cash for repairing the damage that was caused,” Roman told Jam Press.
“While a few homes and public spots have been recovered for being safe and accessible for public visits, the city is still putting all its efforts and facing daily struggles to revive its spirit.”
Some of the greatest damage in Beirut was on its arts and culture scene.
The famous Gemmayzeh and Gouraud St, once home to the city's hub of restaurants and bars, and one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the area, is now piles of rubble.
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UNESCO’s preliminary damage assessment to the area recorded damage to around 640 historical buildings, including 160-year-old Sursock Palace, legendary Lebanese singer Fairouz’s childhood home and the Denaoui Palace.
Roman added: “Although today the city is trying hard to get to its original condition, most of these artistic, cultural, and historical spots are yet to be renewed or rebuilt after the major and minor damages.
“It was saddening to witness most buildings and spots still carry the worst of their destruction with the hope to be revived soon.”
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