BEIRUT, LEBANON: Satellite Images Show Explosion Damage
- European Space Imaging
At least 100 people have died and 4,000 people have been wounded in a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on Tuesday 4th August 2020.
Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite images captured only hours ago with WorldView-2 by European Space Imaging highlight the scope of the damage to the surrounding blast site. Almost 20 buildings have been completely destroyed, whilst hundreds of other surrounding buildings have been significantly damaged. A cruise ship has been overturned and four tankers have been damaged. According to AIS data, this cruise ship is the “Orient Queen” sailing under the flag of Bahamas, and originating from port King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia.
It has been reported in the media that the explosion at Beirut’s port resulted in the damage of 90% of the hotels in the Lebanese capital and that the blasts could be felt up to 200 km away in Cyprus.
“When disaster strikes, VHR satellite imagery can provide critical information for emergency relief operations to evaluate the extent of damage and get an entire overview of the scene,” said Adrian Zevenbergen, Managing Director, European Space Imaging. “It supplies crisis management teams with logistical insights for planning and helps to monitor and detect any changes that may be critical to minimising or even eliminating further catastrophe.”
The cause of the explosion is still unknown, however it has been reported that the blasts occurred in a section of the port that stores previously confiscated highly explosive substances. With the country already suffering a crippling economic crisis as a result of battling COVID-19, this explosion plummets the city into further catastrophe with the country’s leader, Hassan Diab, appealing for international assistance.
European Space Imaging will continue to monitor this situation and make images available as soon as possible.
Before and After of the damaged area. Captured by WorldView-2 © European Space imaging
Before and After of the damaged area. Captured by WorldView-2 © European Space imaging
Before and After of the damaged area. Captured by WorldView-2 © European Space imaging
The “Orient Queen” cruise ship seen overturned after the explosion. Captured by WorldView-2 © European Space imaging
Related Stories
VHR Satellite Images Show Damage After Niscemi Landslide
In January 2026, Italy declared state of emergency after being hit by Cyclone Harry – a storm that brought 10-metre waves and torrential rains of over 300 mm in 48 hours. The most severely affected regions were Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia, with the damage in Sicily alone estimated to be more than 1.5 billion euros. EUSI collected Very High Resolution satellite imagery of the affected areas, including Niscemi – a Sicilian town hit by a massive landslide.
The Potential of WorldView Legion for the Safety and Security in Europe
In the ever-evolving landscape of global security, satellite imagery has become an indispensable tool for governments, organisations, and businesses worldwide. Many of them are now learning about the new opportunities that the six recently launched Vantor WorldView Legion satellites bring: higher border security, improved maritime surveillance, faster reaction to developing events, and much more.
Beginner’s Guide to Satellite Imagery: 10 Terms You Need to Know
Satellite imagery is an amazing but highly technical field with terms that might be hard to understand, especially for somebody with expertise in a completely different area. That’s why we are explaining the basics of satellite imagery in this article. What’s geolocational accuracy? What is the ideal off nadir angle? How can you see through clouds? Let’s dive right in.
Europe’s Green and Digital Transformations with 25 Years of VHR Satellite Archive Data
Planning Europe’s future without knowing its past is impossible. The European Green Deal, Horizon Europe, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and other policies all demand one thing: evidence. Not just today’s data, but years of history that show how our cities, forests, and coastlines have changed.
