The Lebanese capital of Beirut was rocked by a huge explosion on Tuesday, with thousands injured and huge damage done to buildings and offices.
The blast took place in the port area of the city, claim the lives of at least 100 people and wounding thousands, according to the country’s authorities.
Following the initial first explosion, a much larger second one is believed to have been felt as far away as the island of Cyprus some 240km away, shattering windows and causing buildings to collapse in the area as a huge pink-hued mushroom cloud rose into the sky.
The cause of the blast has not been confirmed but officials indicated an accident involving chemicals.
President Michel Aoun has declared a three-day mourning period, and said the government would release 100 billion lira ($66m) of emergency funds.
Hospitals across Beirut are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.
The Lebanese Red Cross is requesting that only people in ‘critical or severe cases’ call its emergency number so that they can help the people who need it the most first. It is also appealing for blood donations at the hospitals of Beirut to deal with the influx of casualties.
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