Israel announced Tuesday night that it had reached out to offer humanitarian help to Lebanon after a massive blast rocked Beirut, killing at least 100 and leaving large parts of the capital in ruins.

Beirut Blasts: Unprecedented show of solidarity by Lebanon's rival, pledges humanitarian aid amid hard times

<p>The devastation wrought by the massive explosion in Beirut can be clearly seen in the images provided by satellites.</p>

<p>A SkySat spacecraft, operated by San Francisco-based company Planet, captured detailed imagery of the port of Beirut both before and after the blast.</p>

<p>A Colorado-based space technology company, Maxar, also shared pictures snapped by its satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Crater, as captured by a satellite" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d4c1564-d270-4ce6-b621-26af1f6fe77a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/crater.jpg" /></p>

<p>These satellite images show a massive crater at the site of Tuesday's explosion in Beirut's port. The images show nearly every building has either sustained significant damage or has been destroyed by the blast. Some barely have their framework still standing and others have been reduced to rubble.</p>

<p>A large, water-filled crater has replaced the ground where two port buildings stood.</p>

<p>Damage from the explosion reached a peninsula directly east of the blast site. Not only has a building there been blown away, but a boat in front of it appears to have been blown onto its side.</p>

<p><img alt="Destroyed Silo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c87e426c-7f2d-44f7-9b90-29655c3af639" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/destroyed-silo-1200x774.jpg" /></p>

<p>According to Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab, 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, exploded on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The blast created a huge mushroom cloud and shockwave that was felt as far away as Cyprus, about 150 miles away. It registered as a magnitude 3.3 earthquake.</p>


The devastation wrought by the massive explosion in Beirut can be clearly seen in the images provided by satellites. A SkySat spacecraft, operated by San Francisco-based company Planet, captured detailed imagery of the port of Beirut both before and after the blast.

The devastation wrought by the massive explosion in Beirut can be clearly seen in the images provided by satellites. A SkySat spacecraft, operated by San Francisco-based company Planet, captured detailed imagery of the port of Beirut both before and after the blast. A Colorado-based space technology company, Maxar, also shared pictures snapped by its satellites. These satellite images show a massive crater at the site of Tuesday's explosion in Beirut's port. The images show nearly every building has either sustained significant damage or has been destroyed by the blast. Some barely have their framework still standing and others have been reduced to rubble. A large, water-filled crater has replaced the ground where two port buildings stood. Damage from the explosion reached a peninsula directly east of the blast site. Not only has a building there been blown away, but a boat in front of it appears to have been blown onto its side. According to Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab, 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, exploded on Tuesday. The blast created a huge mushroom cloud and shockwave that was felt as far away as Cyprus, about 150 miles away. It registered as a magnitude 3.3 earthquake.

Beirut explosion created massive crater at port, satellite imagery shows

The Tel Aviv municipality lit up City Hall with the Lebanese flag in solidarity with the people of Beirut after Tuesday's devastating explosion.

Tel Aviv residents moved by Lebanon flag display

<p>Countries dispatched&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;medical&nbsp;aid, field hospitals, rescue experts and tracking dogs to Lebanon Wednesday as the world reacts swiftly to a vast Beirut explosion in a nation already close to economic collapse.</p>

<p>The blast centred on the city's port caused massive destruction and killed at least 135&nbsp;people, heaping misery on a country in crisis.</p>

<p>Gulf&nbsp;states were among the first to respond, with Qatar sending mobile hospitals to ease pressure on Lebanon's medical system, strained by the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blasts-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-135-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Beirut blasts death toll climbs to at least 135; three-day mourning declared</a></strong></p>

<p>A Qatari air force plane delivered hundreds of collapsible beds, generators and burn sheets in the first of a convoy of flights to Beirut.</p>

<p>Kuwait also sent medical supplies as the Lebanese Red Cross said more than 4,000 people were being treated for injuries after the explosion, which sent glass shards and debris flying.</p>

<p>A Greek C-130 army transport plane bearing a dozen rescuers landed at Beirut's airport, itself damaged in the catastrophic blast.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a></strong></p>

<p>Algeria said it would send four planes and a ship with humanitarian&nbsp;aid, medical teams, firefighters, supplies and construction materials.</p>

<p>Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab has called on "friendly countries" to support a nation reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades as well as a coronavirus outbreak that has infected over 5,000 people and killed 68.</p>

<p>As&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;crews hauled survivors from the rubble of demolished buildings, France said it was sending search and rescue experts aboard three military planes loaded with a mobile clinic and tonnes of medical and sanitary supplies.</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to Lebanon on Thursday, the first world leader to do so after the disaster, as France seeks to swiftly push reconstruction in its former colony.</p>

<p>"France is at the side of Lebanon. Always," Macron tweeted in Arabic.</p>

<p>Prosecutors in France also opened an investigation into the blast, which wounded 21 French citizens.</p>

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the president of Lebanon, saying she was "deeply saddened" by the blast.</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a phone call with Diab, offered Washington's assistance and stressed "our solidarity with and support for the Lebanese people as they strive for the dignity, prosperity and security they deserve".</p>

<p>Cyprus, parts of which felt the blast roughly 240 kilometres, said it was sending eight police tracking dogs and their handlers aboard two helicopters.</p>

<p>From Europe, authorities in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Poland offered an array of assistance including doctors, police and firefighters, together with rescue experts and sniffer dogs.</p>

<p>Italy said it had sent 14 firefighters specialised in assessing chemical risks and damaged structures to provide technical support.</p>

<p>President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, itself battling the Middle East's deadliest coronavirus outbreak, said Tehran stood "ready to offer medical and medicinal&nbsp;aid&nbsp;and help treat the injured".</p>

<p>The World Health Organization said it was sending trauma and surgical kits from its Dubai base after the "shocking event" that comes at a "particularly difficult time in Lebanon".</p>

<p>"Many hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and people are still looking for the injured and the dead, so it's a very sad day," said the UN agency's emergencies director Michael Ryan.</p>

<p>In a statement, the World Bank Group said it "stands ready to deploy its expertise to undertake a rapid damage and needs assessment and to develop a reconstruction plan as per international standards."</p>

<p>Unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian&nbsp;aid&nbsp;-- to a country with which it is still technically at war -- via international intermediaries.</p>

<p>In the coastal city of Tel Aviv, Lebanon's flag was projected onto the city hall on Wednesday evening.</p>


Countries dispatched emergency medical aid, field hospitals, rescue experts and tracking dogs to Lebanon Wednesday as the world reacts swiftly to a vast Beirut explosion in a nation already close to economic collapse.

Countries dispatched emergency medical aid, field hospitals, rescue experts and tracking dogs to Lebanon Wednesday as the world reacts swiftly to a vast Beirut explosion in a nation already close to economic collapse. The blast centred on the city's port caused massive destruction and killed at least 135 people, heaping misery on a country in crisis. Gulf states were among the first to respond, with Qatar sending mobile hospitals to ease pressure on Lebanon's medical system, strained by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Beirut blasts death toll climbs to at least 135; three-day mourning declared A Qatari air force plane delivered hundreds of collapsible beds, generators and burn sheets in the first of a convoy of flights to Beirut. Kuwait also sent medical supplies as the Lebanese Red Cross said more than 4,000 people were being treated for injuries after the explosion, which sent glass shards and debris flying. A Greek C-130 army transport plane bearing a dozen rescuers landed at Beirut's airport, itself damaged in the catastrophic blast. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline Algeria said it would send four planes and a ship with humanitarian aid, medical teams, firefighters, supplies and construction materials. Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab has called on "friendly countries" to support a nation reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades as well as a coronavirus outbreak that has infected over 5,000 people and killed 68. As emergency crews hauled survivors from the rubble of demolished buildings, France said it was sending search and rescue experts aboard three military planes loaded with a mobile clinic and tonnes of medical and sanitary supplies. President Emmanuel Macron is to travel to Lebanon on Thursday, the first world leader to do so after the disaster, as France seeks to swiftly push reconstruction in its former colony. "France is at the side of Lebanon. Always," Macron tweeted in Arabic. Prosecutors in France also opened an investigation into the blast, which wounded 21 French citizens. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the president of Lebanon, saying she was "deeply saddened" by the blast. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a phone call with Diab, offered Washington's assistance and stressed "our solidarity with and support for the Lebanese people as they strive for the dignity, prosperity and security they deserve". Cyprus, parts of which felt the blast roughly 240 kilometres, said it was sending eight police tracking dogs and their handlers aboard two helicopters. From Europe, authorities in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Poland offered an array of assistance including doctors, police and firefighters, together with rescue experts and sniffer dogs. Italy said it had sent 14 firefighters specialised in assessing chemical risks and damaged structures to provide technical support. President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, itself battling the Middle East's deadliest coronavirus outbreak, said Tehran stood "ready to offer medical and medicinal aid and help treat the injured". The World Health Organization said it was sending trauma and surgical kits from its Dubai base after the "shocking event" that comes at a "particularly difficult time in Lebanon". "Many hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and people are still looking for the injured and the dead, so it's a very sad day," said the UN agency's emergencies director Michael Ryan. In a statement, the World Bank Group said it "stands ready to deploy its expertise to undertake a rapid damage and needs assessment and to develop a reconstruction plan as per international standards." Unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid -- to a country with which it is still technically at war -- via international intermediaries. In the coastal city of Tel Aviv, Lebanon's flag was projected onto the city hall on Wednesday evening.

Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support

The blast killed at least 135 people and injured more than 4,000 others. A two-week state of emergency has begun.

Lebanon Blast: At least 135 dead & 5,000 injured | Quarter of a million people homeless | World News

<p>The red, white and cedar green of the Lebanese flag were lit up over a Tel Aviv square on Wednesday in a rare show of Israeli solidarity with Beirut as it reels from a devastating explosion.</p>

<p>Israel has been in a technical state of war with Lebanon for generations, and it deems the country's armed Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, the biggest threat across its northern border.</p>

<p>Israel and Hezbollah fought a month-long war in 2006 and have traded fire again in recent weeks. But, arguing that "humanity comes before any conflict", Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai ordered City Hall on Rabin Square, named for the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, to be illuminated with the Lebanese flag on Wednesday evening.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a></strong></p>

<p>At nightfall, windows on the 13-storey building's facade were filled with light in the design of Lebanon's flag: two horizontal red stripes enveloping a wider band of white, with a large green cedar tree,&nbsp;Lebanon's national symbol,&nbsp;at the centre.</p>

<p>The decision drew criticism from some Israelis, including cabinet minister Rafael Peretz, who on Twitter likened it to "raising (an) enemy state's flag in the heart of Tel Aviv".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blasts-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-135-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Beirut blasts death toll climbs to at least 135; three-day mourning declared</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had offered aid to Lebanon after the massive warehouse explosion in the port district of the capital Beirut on Tuesday that killed at least 135 people and injured over 5,000.</p>

<p>Lebanon has not responded to the overture, according to an Israeli defence official, who suggested that Israel with U.N. support could "set up and operate field hospitals on our side of the border and admit casualties from Lebanon".</p>

<p>In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared Wednesday a day of mourning and ordered Palestinian flags in the territory lowered to half mast in solidarity with Lebanon. While in Gaza, dozens lit candles to pay tribute to the victims of the blast.</p>

<p>Tuesday's blast at port warehouses storing highly explosive material was the most powerful in years in Beirut, already reeling from an economic crisis and a surge in coronavirus infections. At least 100 people were killed and nearly 4,000 injured.</p>


The red, white and cedar green of the Lebanese flag were lit up over a Tel Aviv square on Wednesday in a rare show of Israeli solidarity with Beirut as it reels from a devastating explosion.

The red, white and cedar green of the Lebanese flag were lit up over a Tel Aviv square on Wednesday in a rare show of Israeli solidarity with Beirut as it reels from a devastating explosion. Israel has been in a technical state of war with Lebanon for generations, and it deems the country's armed Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, the biggest threat across its northern border. Israel and Hezbollah fought a month-long war in 2006 and have traded fire again in recent weeks. But, arguing that "humanity comes before any conflict", Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai ordered City Hall on Rabin Square, named for the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, to be illuminated with the Lebanese flag on Wednesday evening. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline At nightfall, windows on the 13-storey building's facade were filled with light in the design of Lebanon's flag: two horizontal red stripes enveloping a wider band of white, with a large green cedar tree, Lebanon's national symbol, at the centre. The decision drew criticism from some Israelis, including cabinet minister Rafael Peretz, who on Twitter likened it to "raising (an) enemy state's flag in the heart of Tel Aviv". Also read: Beirut blasts death toll climbs to at least 135; three-day mourning declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had offered aid to Lebanon after the massive warehouse explosion in the port district of the capital Beirut on Tuesday that killed at least 135 people and injured over 5,000. Lebanon has not responded to the overture, according to an Israeli defence official, who suggested that Israel with U.N. support could "set up and operate field hospitals on our side of the border and admit casualties from Lebanon". In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared Wednesday a day of mourning and ordered Palestinian flags in the territory lowered to half mast in solidarity with Lebanon. While in Gaza, dozens lit candles to pay tribute to the victims of the blast. Tuesday's blast at port warehouses storing highly explosive material was the most powerful in years in Beirut, already reeling from an economic crisis and a surge in coronavirus infections. At least 100 people were killed and nearly 4,000 injured.

In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast

The blasts in Beirut has taken at least 100 lives. This calamity couldn't have come at the worst time. With an economic crisis looming large - tensions are also high in Lebanon ahead of a verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Five videos tell the tale of Beirut Blasts

Before 1975, Beirut was the hub of economic, social, intellectual, and cultural life in West Asia. But, after the Lebanese Civil War - the city has struggled to rise from its bloody past. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Beirut | The embattled Jewel of the Mediterranean

The devastating blast in Beirut is yet another blast to the city. The city was supposed to be an economical, cultural and political hub of West Asia but Beirut is struggling to rise from its bloody past. Watch report.

Beirut struggles to rise: City of baffling contradictions

<p>As residents in Lebanon's capital Beirut woke up to find death and destruction in their city with several dead and hundreds still being dug out from the rubble, the ancient city has been set to ruin amid civil unrest and large scale turmoil.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276">Also Read:&nbsp;Explosion in Beirut kills more than 100 people, toll expected to go up</a></p>

<p>The civil war which started in 1975 and lasted for nearly 15 years tore apart the city, destroying its secular and cosmopolitan fabric. The exit of French colonials and the resulting shift in demographic of the city resulted in clashes&nbsp;between Palestinian forces led by the Palestine Liberation Organization(PLO) and between Arabs and Muslim Lebanese factions as Isreal and Syria stepped into the devastation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-leaders-pledge-to-help-lebanon-beirut-explosions-pm-modi-donald-trump-318256/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Although peace was brokered in 1990-91 between various factions but tensions continued to simmer between Sunnis and Shias. During the 80s, Beirut witnessed large scale devastation as Israel launched attacks on PLO bases in Lebanon with support of local militias as rampant hostage-taking and violence overtook the city.</p>

<p><img alt="Beirut" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c75fde9d-b36b-4daa-bde5-de7f154f8ad8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BeirutC.jpg" /></p>

<p>Israeli forces first drove through eastern Beirut and then from mid-1982 Israeli forces lay siege outside Beirut even as the United States called on the PLO to withdraw from Lebanon. The situation was made worse with sectarian conflict with refugees becoming casualties in an all-out war with no end.</p>

<p>The faction-ridden city has now been split into various groups even as a ceasefire was brokered in 2006 in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. With lakhs killed and several hundred displaced and abandoned, Beirut still struggles with the scars of the civil war.</p>

<p><img alt="Beirut" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8100d54-0795-4e92-9b0d-674fbd55fd56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beirut1.jpg" /></p>

<p>After the blasts ripped through the city, Israeli officials said they had nothing to do with it even as Iran-backed Hezbollah&nbsp;also offered support with other countries including Saudi Arabia and Cyprus offering medical aid to residents.</p>

<p>The city which has been reeling in economic hardships and the recent surge in coronavirus cases has now been laid to waste as blasts occurred at port warehouses storing highly explosive material.</p>

<p>President Michel Aoun said that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate&nbsp;used in fertilisers and bombs&nbsp;had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No group has yet taken responsibility for the blasts even as the city battles to come to grip with the latest massacre.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


As residents in Lebanon's capital Beirut woke up to find death and destruction in their city with several dead and hundreds still being dug out from the rubble, the ancient city has been set to ruin amid civil unrest and large scale turmoil.

As residents in Lebanon's capital Beirut woke up to find death and destruction in their city with several dead and hundreds still being dug out from the rubble, the ancient city has been set to ruin amid civil unrest and large scale turmoil. Also Read: Explosion in Beirut kills more than 100 people, toll expected to go up The civil war which started in 1975 and lasted for nearly 15 years tore apart the city, destroying its secular and cosmopolitan fabric. The exit of French colonials and the resulting shift in demographic of the city resulted in clashes between Palestinian forces led by the Palestine Liberation Organization(PLO) and between Arabs and Muslim Lebanese factions as Isreal and Syria stepped into the devastation. Watch: Although peace was brokered in 1990-91 between various factions but tensions continued to simmer between Sunnis and Shias. During the 80s, Beirut witnessed large scale devastation as Israel launched attacks on PLO bases in Lebanon with support of local militias as rampant hostage-taking and violence overtook the city. Israeli forces first drove through eastern Beirut and then from mid-1982 Israeli forces lay siege outside Beirut even as the United States called on the PLO to withdraw from Lebanon. The situation was made worse with sectarian conflict with refugees becoming casualties in an all-out war with no end. The faction-ridden city has now been split into various groups even as a ceasefire was brokered in 2006 in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. With lakhs killed and several hundred displaced and abandoned, Beirut still struggles with the scars of the civil war. After the blasts ripped through the city, Israeli officials said they had nothing to do with it even as Iran-backed Hezbollah also offered support with other countries including Saudi Arabia and Cyprus offering medical aid to residents. The city which has been reeling in economic hardships and the recent surge in coronavirus cases has now been laid to waste as blasts occurred at port warehouses storing highly explosive material. President Michel Aoun said that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate used in fertilisers and bombs had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. No group has yet taken responsibility for the blasts even as the city battles to come to grip with the latest massacre.

Beirut: Lebanon's capital scarred amid civil war and violence

The massive explosion in Beirut's Lebanon killing at least 100 people and injuring thousands. The death toll is expected to rise even further. Watch report.

Lebanon Blast: Massive explosion rips through Beirut, Ammonium Nitrate cache triggers blast

WION Dispatch: Hospitals in Beirut overwhelmed | Lebanon blast

Fineprint: Deadliest explosion due to Ammonium Nitrate in Beirut

<p>A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Social media is abuzz in Lebanon&nbsp;with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened.&nbsp;One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child.</p>

<p>Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊".</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong><b>&nbsp;</b></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼<br />
Not all angels have wings 🕊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://t.co/94vVB5UTVc">pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc</a></p>
— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) <a href="https://twitter.com/HSajwanization/status/1290752248121905155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after&nbsp;the blast.</p>

<p>Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut".</p>

<p>The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ar">عروس وسط بيروت.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZSPhYBLZra">pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra</a></p>
— رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaShalhoub/status/1290724338547777536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast.</p>

<p>The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region.</p>

<p><b>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</b></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This video of a father in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForLebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrayForLebanon</a>🤲🤲🤲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforbeirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforbeirut</a>🤲🤲🤲 <a href="https://t.co/jzWoXst30m">pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m</a></p>
— Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) <a href="https://twitter.com/HayowAli/status/1290797180614311944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing&nbsp;the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast.</p>

<p><b>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</b></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutBlast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://t.co/ueurmqWf8g">pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g</a></p>
— 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) <a href="https://twitter.com/aamiryounus/status/1290829782913974272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the&nbsp;explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs&nbsp;had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable."</p>

<p>The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people.</p>

<p>Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors.&nbsp;Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters.</p>

<p>The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others.</p>

<p>Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.</p>


A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday. Social media is abuzz in Lebanon with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened. One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child. Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊". Watch the video here: My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 Not all angels have wings 🕊 #BeirutExplosion #لبنان #Beirut pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc — حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) August 4, 2020 × Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after the blast. Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut". The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users. Watch the video here: عروس وسط بيروت.. #لبنان pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra — رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) August 4, 2020 × Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast. The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region. Watch the video here: This video of a father in #Beirut trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.#PrayForLebanon🤲🤲🤲#prayforbeirut🤲🤲🤲 pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m — Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) August 4, 2020 × Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast. Watch the video here: Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port #Beirut #BeirutBlast #BeirutExplosion pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g — 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) August 5, 2020 × Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday. Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable." The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people. Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors. Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters. The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others. Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.

Beirut blast: Viral videos of the moment when it happened!

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<p>Lebanon economy minister on Wednesday said that the country's main grain silo at Beirut port was destroyed in yesterday's devastating&nbsp;blast along with the wheat inside, leaving the nation with less than a month's reserves of the grain although other vessels with supplies are on the way.</p>

<p>Reuters report quoted&nbsp;Raoul Nehme as saying that Lebanon needed reserves for at least three months to ensure food security and was looking at other storage areas.</p>

<p>The reserves now stood at "a bit less than a month", he said.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blasts-over-100-killed-as-pm-hassan-diab-vows-those-responsible-will-pay-the-price-318356">Beirut blasts: Over 100 killed as PM Hassan Diab vows those responsible will 'pay the price'</a></p>

<p>The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled remains. The blast also disabled the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people.</p>

<p>The Beirut silo was capable of holding 120,000 tonnes of grain, said Ahmed Tamer, the director of the port of Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest city.</p>

<p>The port in Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest port, is not equipped with grain storage facilities but wheat could be transferred to warehouses 2 km (about one mile) away, he said.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ammonium-nitrate-fertilizer-behind-many-industrial-accidents-318329">Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer behind many industrial accidents</a></p>

<p>At the time of the blast, the Beirut silo held no more than 15,000 tonnes of wheat as some millers had unloaded cargoes directly because of a delay in issuing letters of credit for payment, Ahmed Hattit, the head of the wheat importers union, told the local Al-Akhbar newspaper.</p>

<p>Hattit said existing reserves of flour were sufficient to cover market needs for a month and a half and said there were four ships carrying cargoes totalling 28,000 tonnes of wheat that had not docked at the port yet.</p>

<p>Lebanon is trying to immediately transfer four vessels carrying 25,000 tonnes of flour to the port in Tripoli, an economy ministry official told news channel LBCI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;</em></p>


Lebanon economy minister on Wednesday said that the country's main grain silo at Beirut port was destroyed in yesterday's devastating blast along with the wheat inside, leaving the nation with less than a month's reserves of the grain although other vessels with supplies are on the way.

Lebanon economy minister on Wednesday said that the country's main grain silo at Beirut port was destroyed in yesterday's devastating blast along with the wheat inside, leaving the nation with less than a month's reserves of the grain although other vessels with supplies are on the way. Reuters report quoted Raoul Nehme as saying that Lebanon needed reserves for at least three months to ensure food security and was looking at other storage areas. The reserves now stood at "a bit less than a month", he said. Also read: Beirut blasts: Over 100 killed as PM Hassan Diab vows those responsible will 'pay the price' The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled remains. The blast also disabled the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people. The Beirut silo was capable of holding 120,000 tonnes of grain, said Ahmed Tamer, the director of the port of Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest city. The port in Tripoli, Lebanon's second biggest port, is not equipped with grain storage facilities but wheat could be transferred to warehouses 2 km (about one mile) away, he said. Also read: Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer behind many industrial accidents At the time of the blast, the Beirut silo held no more than 15,000 tonnes of wheat as some millers had unloaded cargoes directly because of a delay in issuing letters of credit for payment, Ahmed Hattit, the head of the wheat importers union, told the local Al-Akhbar newspaper. Hattit said existing reserves of flour were sufficient to cover market needs for a month and a half and said there were four ships carrying cargoes totalling 28,000 tonnes of wheat that had not docked at the port yet. Lebanon is trying to immediately transfer four vessels carrying 25,000 tonnes of flour to the port in Tripoli, an economy ministry official told news channel LBCI. (With inputs from Reuters)

After blast, Lebanon has less than a month's reserves of grain, minister says

<p>The death toll in blasts in Beirut crossed 100 on Wednesday&nbsp;as Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that those behind the "catastrophe will pay the price".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276">Also Read:&nbsp;Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up</a></p>

<p>The blast which was reportedly caused by a fire in a warehouse where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was left unsecured created a mushroom-shaped explosion drawing up visions of a nuclear-like disaster.</p>

<p>"I think there are between 250,000 and 300,000 people who are now without homes," Beirut governor Marwan Abboud said while informing that damage to property was between $3&nbsp;billion to&nbsp;$5&nbsp;billion.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312">See Pics:&nbsp;Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting country's lifeline</a></p>

<p>Several countries including Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia promised medical aid even as firefighters and aid workers continued to pull the injured out of the vast rubble.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-explosion-rips-through-beirut-78-killed-4000-injured-in-blast-lebanon-318221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>France said it will send two military planes to Lebanon with search and rescue experts including &nbsp;15 tonnes of sanitary equipment and a mobile clinic equipped to treat 500 people.</p>

<p>Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in a message said: "Tehran is ready to offer medical and medicinal aid and help treat the injured and other assistance," while offering condolences.</p>

<p><img alt="Beirut" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8b7c6ab1-402b-4eee-9455-860f64e62084" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beirut5.jpg" /></p>

<p>Iran's Red Crescent Society said it would send nine tonnes of food aid including medical supplies to Lebanon. Amid the confusion, rescuers continued to search for survivors as thousands were sent to hospitals across the city already burdened by the coronavirus epidemic.</p>

<p>Officials said the toll was expected to rise even further as bodies were still being dug out from the rubble with several port and custom employees among those killed in&nbsp;the blasts.</p>


The death toll in blasts in Beirut crossed 100 on Wednesday as Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that those behind the "catastrophe will pay the price". Also Read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up The blast which was reportedly caused by a fire in a warehouse where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was left unsecured created a mushroom-shaped explosion drawing up visions of a nuclear-like disaster.

The death toll in blasts in Beirut crossed 100 on Wednesday as Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that those behind the "catastrophe will pay the price". Also Read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up The blast which was reportedly caused by a fire in a warehouse where 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was left unsecured created a mushroom-shaped explosion drawing up visions of a nuclear-like disaster. "I think there are between 250,000 and 300,000 people who are now without homes," Beirut governor Marwan Abboud said while informing that damage to property was between $3 billion to $5 billion. See Pics: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting country's lifeline Several countries including Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia promised medical aid even as firefighters and aid workers continued to pull the injured out of the vast rubble. Watch: France said it will send two military planes to Lebanon with search and rescue experts including 15 tonnes of sanitary equipment and a mobile clinic equipped to treat 500 people. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in a message said: "Tehran is ready to offer medical and medicinal aid and help treat the injured and other assistance," while offering condolences. Iran's Red Crescent Society said it would send nine tonnes of food aid including medical supplies to Lebanon. Amid the confusion, rescuers continued to search for survivors as thousands were sent to hospitals across the city already burdened by the coronavirus epidemic. Officials said the toll was expected to rise even further as bodies were still being dug out from the rubble with several port and custom employees among those killed in the blasts.

Beirut blasts: Over 100 killed as PM Hassan Diab vows those responsible will 'pay the price'

<p>The horrifying blast in Lebanon’s Beirut on Tuesday killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross with numbers expected to shoot up. More than 400 people have been injured in the blast after a giant smoke could was seen at the site, before high speed shockwaves impacted the nearby areas of the city’s port.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian cricketers including the likes of Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Manoj Tiwary, Yuvraj Singh among others reacted to the devastating blast in Beirut as they condoled the loss of over 100 lives in the Lebanese city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon,” Indian captain Virat Kohli wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276" hreflang="en">Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people: Lebanese Red Cross</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon.🙏🇱🇧</p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1290896443432001536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Disturbing visuals coming out of #Lebanon Thoughts are with the people who lost and are injured in the explosion. God bless the souls of the lost ones. Sometimes tears are words the heart can't express #BeirutBlast,” veteran Manoj Tiwary tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Disturbing visuals coming out of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lebanon</a> Thoughts are with the people who lost and are injured in the explosion. God bless the souls of the lost ones 🙏 Sometimes tears are words the heart can't express <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutBlast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutBlast</a></p>
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) <a href="https://twitter.com/tiwarymanoj/status/1290740141837946893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“This looks scary. Just can't imagine how many people are going to be injured or even worse . Phewwwww that too during this pandemic . Can't imagine what Lebanon as a country must be going through,” Dinesh Karthik wrote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312">IN PICS: Explosion decimates Beirut's port - the lifeline of Lebanon</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This looks scary. Just can't imagine how many people are going to be injured or even worse . Phewwwww that too during this pandemic . Can't imagine what Lebanon as a country must be going through <a href="https://t.co/xSu70Yd7XC">https://t.co/xSu70Yd7XC</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1290719756190756864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Devastating and heartbreaking visuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a>. Can’t even fathom what the locals would have witnessed and gone through. I pray for those who lost their lives and for the injured. 2020 has really brought us to our knees. Our world needs healing 🙏🏻</p>
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1290718389766250496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">OMG 😮 <a href="https://t.co/nrG3Iy2cec">https://t.co/nrG3Iy2cec</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1290695806991777792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Praying for the people of Beirut. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. RIP 🙏🏻</p>
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) <a href="https://twitter.com/imkuldeep18/status/1290916148347678720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Horrific !! <a href="https://t.co/LPH0SWQhLN">https://t.co/LPH0SWQhLN</a></p>
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03/status/1290878075954057216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Loss of life is always tragic. My deepest condolences. Praying for the people of Lebanon🙏🙏</p>
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja/status/1290887009846861824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My thoughts and prayers are with the people who have been effected by the massive explosion in Lebanon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThoughtsWithLebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThoughtsWithLebanon</a></p>
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayankcricket/status/1290897763182317568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The horrific blast is seen as a major blow to Lebanon, which is already suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas," a statement said.</p>

<p>Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”.</p>

<p>The blast hit Beirut at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky.</p>


The horrifying blast in Lebanon’s Beirut on Tuesday killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross with numbers expected to shoot up. More than 400 people have been injured in the blast after a giant smoke could was seen at the site, before high speed shockwaves impacted the nearby areas of the city’s port.

The horrifying blast in Lebanon’s Beirut on Tuesday killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross with numbers expected to shoot up. More than 400 people have been injured in the blast after a giant smoke could was seen at the site, before high speed shockwaves impacted the nearby areas of the city’s port. Indian cricketers including the likes of Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Manoj Tiwary, Yuvraj Singh among others reacted to the devastating blast in Beirut as they condoled the loss of over 100 lives in the Lebanese city. “Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon,” Indian captain Virat Kohli wrote. ALSO READ: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people: Lebanese Red Cross Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon.🙏🇱🇧 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 5, 2020 × “Disturbing visuals coming out of #Lebanon Thoughts are with the people who lost and are injured in the explosion. God bless the souls of the lost ones. Sometimes tears are words the heart can't express #BeirutBlast,” veteran Manoj Tiwary tweeted. Disturbing visuals coming out of #Lebanon Thoughts are with the people who lost and are injured in the explosion. God bless the souls of the lost ones 🙏 Sometimes tears are words the heart can't express #BeirutBlast — MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 4, 2020 × “This looks scary. Just can't imagine how many people are going to be injured or even worse . Phewwwww that too during this pandemic . Can't imagine what Lebanon as a country must be going through,” Dinesh Karthik wrote. IN PICS: Explosion decimates Beirut's port - the lifeline of Lebanon This looks scary. Just can't imagine how many people are going to be injured or even worse . Phewwwww that too during this pandemic . Can't imagine what Lebanon as a country must be going through https://t.co/xSu70Yd7XC — DK (@DineshKarthik) August 4, 2020 × Devastating and heartbreaking visuals from #Beirut. Can’t even fathom what the locals would have witnessed and gone through. I pray for those who lost their lives and for the injured. 2020 has really brought us to our knees. Our world needs healing 🙏🏻 — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 4, 2020 × OMG 😮 https://t.co/nrG3Iy2cec — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 4, 2020 × Praying for the people of Beirut. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. RIP 🙏🏻 — Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 5, 2020 × Horrific !! https://t.co/LPH0SWQhLN — Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 5, 2020 × Loss of life is always tragic. My deepest condolences. Praying for the people of Lebanon🙏🙏 — Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) August 5, 2020 × My thoughts and prayers are with the people who have been effected by the massive explosion in Lebanon. #ThoughtsWithLebanon — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) August 5, 2020 × The horrific blast is seen as a major blow to Lebanon, which is already suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. "Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas," a statement said. Michel Aoun, the president has claimed that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was being stored for six years with no safety measures, calling it “unacceptable”. The blast hit Beirut at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), following which a fire continue to blaze across the port district, which cast an orange glow in the night sky.

Beirut explosion: Cricket fraternity mourns devastating incident in Lebanon

<p>Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These include notably at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 that killed 15 and was ruled deliberate, and another at a chemical plant in Toulouse, France in 2001 that killed 31 people but was accidental.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a></strong></p>

<p>When combined with fuel oils, ammonium nitrate creates a potent explosive widely used in the construction industry, but also by insurgent groups such as the Taliban for improvised explosives.</p>

<p>Two tonnes of it was used to create the bomb in the 1995 Oklahoma City attack that destroyed a federal building, leaving 168 people dead.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a></strong></p>

<p>Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored for years in a&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;portside warehouse had blown up, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage to the Lebanese capital.</p>

<p>In agriculture, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is applied in granule form and quickly dissolves under moisture, allowing nitrogen, which is key to plant growth,&nbsp;to be released into the soil.</p>

<p>However, under normal storage conditions and without very high heat, it is difficult to ignite ammonium nitrate, Jimmie Oxley, a chemistry professor at the University of Rhode Island, told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276" hreflang="en">Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross</a></strong></p>

<p>"If you look at the video (of the&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;explosion), you saw the black smoke, you saw the red smoke, that was an incomplete reaction," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am assuming that there was a small explosion that instigated the reaction of the ammonium nitrate, whether that small explosion was an accident or something on purpose I haven't heard yet."</p>

<p>That's because ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer, it intensifies combustion and allows other substances to ignite more readily, but is not itself very combustible.</p>

<p>For these reasons, there are generally very strict rules about where it can be stored: for example, it must be kept away from fuels and sources of heat.</p>

<p>In fact, many countries in the European Union require that calcium carbonate to be added to ammonium nitrate to create calcium ammonium nitrate, which is safer.</p>

<p>In the United States, regulations were tightened significantly after the Oklahoma City attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, for example, facilities that store more than 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate are subject to inspections.</p>

<p>Despite its dangers, Oxley said legitimate uses of ammonium nitrate in agriculture and construction have made it indispensable.</p>

<p>"We wouldn't have this modern world without explosives, and we wouldn't feed the population we have today without ammonium nitrate fertilizer," she said.</p>

<p>"We need ammonium nitrate, we just need to pay good attention to what we're doing with it."</p>


Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating Beirut blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades.

Ammonium nitrate, which Lebanese authorities have said caused the devastating Beirut blast, is an odorless crystalline substance commonly used as a fertilizer that has been the cause of numerous industrial explosions over the decades. These include notably at a Texas fertilizer plant in 2013 that killed 15 and was ruled deliberate, and another at a chemical plant in Toulouse, France in 2001 that killed 31 people but was accidental. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline When combined with fuel oils, ammonium nitrate creates a potent explosive widely used in the construction industry, but also by insurgent groups such as the Taliban for improvised explosives. Two tonnes of it was used to create the bomb in the 1995 Oklahoma City attack that destroyed a federal building, leaving 168 people dead. Also read: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored for years in a Beirut portside warehouse had blown up, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage to the Lebanese capital. In agriculture, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is applied in granule form and quickly dissolves under moisture, allowing nitrogen, which is key to plant growth, to be released into the soil. However, under normal storage conditions and without very high heat, it is difficult to ignite ammonium nitrate, Jimmie Oxley, a chemistry professor at the University of Rhode Island, told AFP. Also read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross "If you look at the video (of the Beirut explosion), you saw the black smoke, you saw the red smoke, that was an incomplete reaction," she said. "I am assuming that there was a small explosion that instigated the reaction of the ammonium nitrate, whether that small explosion was an accident or something on purpose I haven't heard yet." That's because ammonium nitrate is an oxidizer, it intensifies combustion and allows other substances to ignite more readily, but is not itself very combustible. For these reasons, there are generally very strict rules about where it can be stored: for example, it must be kept away from fuels and sources of heat. In fact, many countries in the European Union require that calcium carbonate to be added to ammonium nitrate to create calcium ammonium nitrate, which is safer. In the United States, regulations were tightened significantly after the Oklahoma City attack. Under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, for example, facilities that store more than 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate are subject to inspections. Despite its dangers, Oxley said legitimate uses of ammonium nitrate in agriculture and construction have made it indispensable. "We wouldn't have this modern world without explosives, and we wouldn't feed the population we have today without ammonium nitrate fertilizer," she said. "We need ammonium nitrate, we just need to pay good attention to what we're doing with it."

Ammonium nitrate: Fertilizer behind many industrial accidents

<p>Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in&nbsp;Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.</p>

<p>Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades and the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences ... following the horrific explosions in&nbsp;Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312" hreflang="en">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a></strong></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said "it looks like a terrible attack" and that US generals had told him that the powerful explosions appeared to have been caused by a "bomb of some kind", without offering evidence.</p>

<p>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that "we are monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this horrible tragedy".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-lebanons-capital-scarred-amid-civil-war-and-violence-318281" hreflang="en">Beirut: Lebanon's capital scarred amid civil war and violence</a></strong></p>

<p>In the region, Gulf&nbsp;nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon."</p>

<p>Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-beirut-killed-more-than-100-people-toll-expected-to-go-up-lebanese-red-cross-318276" hreflang="en">Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross</a></strong></p>

<p>Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions".</p>

<p>And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid, to a country with which it is still technically at war.</p>

<p>"Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government, via international intermediaries, medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance," a statement read.</p>

<p><strong>'Stay strong, Lebanon'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary".</p>

<p>"Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stay strong, Lebanon."</p>

<p>Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad wrote to Lebanese President Michel Aoun that "on behalf of the Syrian Arab people, we extend our sincere condolences to you and the Lebanese people".</p>

<p>Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement.</p>

<p>"I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected."</p>

<p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities".</p>

<p>Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson&nbsp;called the pictures and videos from&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;"shocking".</p>

<p>"All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident," he wrote on Twitter. "The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected."</p>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say "we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We're ready to help you."</p>


Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in.

Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in. Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on "friendly countries" to support a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades and the coronavirus pandemic. UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deepest condolences ... following the horrific explosions in Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline US President Donald Trump said "it looks like a terrible attack" and that US generals had told him that the powerful explosions appeared to have been caused by a "bomb of some kind", without offering evidence. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that "we are monitoring and stand ready to assist the people of Lebanon as they recover from this horrible tragedy". Also read: Beirut: Lebanon's capital scarred amid civil war and violence In the region, Gulf nations were among the first to react, with Qatar promising to send field hospitals to support the medical response. Qatar's ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," while the United Arab Emirates' Vice President and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted "our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon." Kuwait said it would also send emergency medical aid. Also read: Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross Egypt expressed "deep concern" at the destruction, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboulgheit offered condolences, stressing "the importance of finding the truth about the explosions". And unusually, neighbouring Israel offered humanitarian aid, to a country with which it is still technically at war. "Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government, via international intermediaries, medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance," a statement read. 'Stay strong, Lebanon' Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was "fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary". "Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. "Stay strong, Lebanon." Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad wrote to Lebanese President Michel Aoun that "on behalf of the Syrian Arab people, we extend our sincere condolences to you and the Lebanese people". Outside the region, President Vladimir Putin said that "Russia shares the grief of the Lebanese people," according to a Kremlin statement. "I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all affected." French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the country was "ready to provide assistance according to the needs expressed by the Lebanese authorities". Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the pictures and videos from Beirut "shocking". "All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident," he wrote on Twitter. "The UK is ready to provide support in any way we can, including to those British nationals affected." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media to say "we think of all those who were injured in this tragic explosion, as well as those who are trying to find a friend or family member or who have lost a loved one. We're ready to help you."

World offers support, condolences to 'disaster-stricken' Beirut after devastating blasts

Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline

<p>Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut.</p>

<p>Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION said, ''we are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now."</p>

<p>He also said no one at the Indian mission in the country has been impacted by the blast.</p>

<p>Indian mission has shared its help line numbers with the Indian community.</p>

<p>There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority&nbsp;of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms, etc</p>

<p>Social media images showed explosion in the country's capital. The development comes even as verdict in the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri is due on Friday. He was assassinated in 2005. Four members of Iran-back terror group Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for his assassination at the court in the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>


Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut. Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr.

Indian mission in Lebanon is in touch with Indian community following the aftermath of powerful twin explosions in the capital Beirut. Indian envoy to Lebanon Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan speaking to WION said, ''we are in touch with the Indian community. We have advised them to remain calm. No injuries reported among the Indian community till now." He also said no one at the Indian mission in the country has been impacted by the blast. Indian mission has shared its help line numbers with the Indian community. There are nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon according to MEA with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, agricultural farms, etc Social media images showed explosion in the country's capital. The development comes even as verdict in the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri is due on Friday. He was assassinated in 2005. Four members of Iran-back terror group Hezbollah members are being tried in absentia for his assassination at the court in the Netherlands.

Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community

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