Dear Editor,
Massive fire erupts at Indonesian ammunition depot ( SN Mar 30). While no deaths were reported, the blast, because of its nature, is reminiscent of the August 2020 horrific devastation which enveloped the portside city of Beirut, Lebanon resulting in deaths, injuries, homelessness and billions in property damage. The powerful blast was felt in neighbouring countries in the region.
From the report the Indonesian facility was used to store expired ammunition, which contained chemicals, it is alleged.
The Lebanon blast was as the result of poor storage and lax safety measures of a large amount of ammonium nitrate, another chemical, stored in a portside warehouse for about six years.
Both cases highlight the dangers when huge amounts of chemicals are stored in a condition not controlled, monitored or properly managed.
There are lessons for those of us who use and work with large amounts of chemicals to take the necessary precautions and measures to mitigate against catastrophic consequences.
Yours faithfully,
Shamshun Mohamed
