On August 4, when 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate caught fire in the port of Beirut, the population was dumbfounded by the thick smoke of the fire. Many Lebanese filmed the black mushroom rising in the sky with their cellphones and broadcast the footage live on social media ... until the terrible explosion sounded. Our correspondent in Lebanon, Charbel Abboud, met these witnesses who, very often, were also victims of the explosion.

>> To see "In photos: the new face of Beirut, devastated capital"

Faced with the disaster, the rescuers' first mission was to rescue the injured and search for the survivors trapped under the rubble. For families, the wait is unbearable. In recent days, some have come to meditate at the port and still hope to find their relatives whom they no longer hear from. Our special envoys Nadia Massih, Abdallah Malkawi and Karim Yahiahoui went to meet them.

While aid is being organized for all those who now find themselves homeless, the absent Lebanese state is the target of all criticism. Under pressure from the streets, the government has resigned and the Lebanese are thirsty for answers. How were the authorities able to authorize the storage of 2,750 tonnes of such a dangerous ammonium nitrate? ... Regularly, Place des Martyrs, in the heart of the capital, tens of thousands of people demonstrate and demand the departure of all the ruling class. Among them, the activist Lucien Bourjeily, film director, whom we met. He had participated in large gatherings last year. For him, this drama is undoubtedly the tragedy too many.

>> To read: "The crazy story of the 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in warehouse 12"

We will then take you to the Karantina district, in Beirut, one of the most affected. There is a strong Syrian community there. While all residents urgently need help, the tension is palpable. Report from our special envoys.

Finally, all over the world, the Lebanese expatriate community is mobilizing to send money and basic necessities to the country. Report in Paris by Jade Levin.

>> To see, our special program: "Crisis in Lebanon, the infernal gear"

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