It's been five years since an explosion at the port of Beirut destroyed neighborhoods, killing dozens of people and wounding thousands. An investigation resumed earlier this year, after Lebanon’s new leadership promised to support an independent judiciary.

Beirut

Five years after the devastating explosion at Beirut's port, residents in districts like Jemezi are still working to restore their homes and businesses. The blast, believed to have been caused by unsafely stored ammonium nitrate, left widespread destruction and has been attributed by many to government negligence and corruption.

Despite some restoration, recovery remains slow due to Lebanon's chronic political instability and economic mismanagement. Recent conflict with Israel has caused further damage, and international aid remains limited, contingent on political reforms and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Many Lebanese, facing ongoing hardship, are left to rebuild their lives with little external support.

Five years after Beirut port blast, residents still rebuild with little support

Jemezi is one of Beirut's oldest districts. It's known for its historic buildings, a vibrant cultural quarter in the Lebanese capital. Much has been restored since a massive explosion at the nearby port, but recovery efforts are continuing five years on. The neighborhood was among the hardest hit and left devastated. It looked like this. Bearing the brunt of the shockwave, much was lost in a matter of seconds. When I raised my head and opened my eyes, I saw everything destroyed. The machines, shattered glass was everywhere. My hard work over the years, gone. Unsafely stored ammonium nitrate is believed to have detonated. But it's still not known what caused the fire. Many people blame negligence and corruption among those in power. Officials as high up as the president were aware of the dangers, and despite repeated warnings, failed to act. In recent months, the investigation into the blast regained traction. After a change in leadership, that's promising to support an independent judiciary. But even before there are answers, accountability and justice, Lebanon has had to face more destruction. This time it came from outside the country, from Israel. Areas where Hezbollah has influence remain covered in rubble following Israel's attacks. Yet again, there's a need to rebuild. But the state doesn't have the money, and the international community won't help unless Hezbollah disarms and the government commits to reforms. Chronic political instability and economic mismanagement means many Lebanese are like Claudette. They have to pick up the pieces of their lives on their own. I've seen hardships since I was born. There was a civil war, and then every 10 years, another war. At my age, I'm almost 70. I still have to work to support my family, and I don't see a good future. Israeli drones are always in the skies. There could be another war. Lebanon's civil war ended more than three decades ago, but the country is haunted by a past that has still to be reconciled, and a state that has yet to be rebuilt. Zaina Khadr, Al-Shazira, Beirut.

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