A massive explosion ripped through the city of Beirut in Lebanon. Protesters are now out on the streets protesting against this massive disaster. Watch report.

Lebanon Blast Aftermath: Protesters take to the streets of Beirut

Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast

Two days after the horrific explosion that killed over 130 people in Beirut, serious concerns have been raised now about tonnes of chemical explosives that have been stored in a private container near Chennai. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Beirut like facility found in Tamil Nadu, Tonnes of explosive chemicals in Chennai

Lebanon is coming to terms with a massive explosion at the port of Beirut that has killed at least 137 people and injured more than 5000. The death toll is rising consistently as the Lebanese rescue team pulls more and more bodies from under the rubble. Watch report.

Fineprint: At least 137 dead & 5,000 injured in Beirut Blast, Quarter of a million people homeless

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

For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far.&nbsp;

"The amount of devastation is indescribable," Karol Yammine, a Lebanese journalist told WION as she gave a ground report from the capital city of Beirut.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"The losses are more troubling because Lebanon is already in the middle of an economic crisis," she said adding that the hospitals are overwhelmed not just because of the blast, but also due to the coronavirus situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-pitch-new-political-deal-to-lebanon-leadership-says-macron-in-beirut-318627">Will pitch 'new political deal' to Lebanon leadership, says Macron in Beirut</a>

Yammine said that not just the hospitals, but a lot of businesses have also been affected due to the blast as Beirut is "the home to" a lot of things, including restaurants and nightlife. 
&nbsp; 
"It is the heart of Lebanon and was shot in the heart," the Lebanese journalist added.&nbsp;

Yammine also talked about the economic situation of the country that deteriorated even further due to the blast.

She said even those who have survived have their homes shattered and for those who struggle to get food, renovation work will add insult to their injuries.&nbsp;

Yammine said since hospitals are overburdened, people with minor injuries are being asked to not visit these facilities.&nbsp;

She said that however, the country is seeing a lot of donation from countries and a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron has also given people some hope.

But, Yammine says people don't trust the government, so will the administration use the aid received by France and other countries in the right manner is to be seen.

She also spoke on the volunteering efforts shown by Lebanese as they took to streets to clean rubble and wreckage.&nbsp;

For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far.

For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far. "The amount of devastation is indescribable," Karol Yammine, a Lebanese journalist told WION as she gave a ground report from the capital city of Beirut. Watch | "The losses are more troubling because Lebanon is already in the middle of an economic crisis," she said adding that the hospitals are overwhelmed not just because of the blast, but also due to the coronavirus situation. Also read | Will pitch 'new political deal' to Lebanon leadership, says Macron in Beirut Yammine said that not just the hospitals, but a lot of businesses have also been affected due to the blast as Beirut is "the home to" a lot of things, including restaurants and nightlife. "It is the heart of Lebanon and was shot in the heart," the Lebanese journalist added. Yammine also talked about the economic situation of the country that deteriorated even further due to the blast. She said even those who have survived have their homes shattered and for those who struggle to get food, renovation work will add insult to their injuries. Yammine said since hospitals are overburdened, people with minor injuries are being asked to not visit these facilities. She said that however, the country is seeing a lot of donation from countries and a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron has also given people some hope. But, Yammine says people don't trust the government, so will the administration use the aid received by France and other countries in the right manner is to be seen. She also spoke on the volunteering efforts shown by Lebanese as they took to streets to clean rubble and wreckage.

'Lebanon's heart was shot': WION's exclusive ground report from Beirut

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

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.

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.

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.

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>

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:&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>

Algeria said it would send four planes and a ship with humanitarian&nbsp;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&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.

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&nbsp;aid&nbsp;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&nbsp;aid&nbsp;-- 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.

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

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:&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>

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.

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:&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>

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.

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

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past.

The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night. That is when the nightlife hotspots of the city come to life. The party never stopped in Beirut. Even when the city was torn apart by a bloody civil war in the last century.

The old holiday inn, with bullet holes and battered walls,&nbsp;still stands in the center of the city.

Beirut, once known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, has become a city of baffling contradictions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-beirut-the-embattled-jewel-of-the-mediterranean-318450/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

From 1952 to 1975, Beirut was a hub of economic, social, intellectual and cultural life in West Asia. Most of the Arab wealth flowed through this city due to country's free economic and foreign exchange system, including a banking-secrecy law.

Beirut is well connected via a seaport and airport. Something that made the city a paradise for businessmen. Also for politicians escaping upheavals and military coups.

It is still seen as one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world.

In the 1970s, the city’s french architecture, cuisine and equal rights for women often sparked comparisons with Paris.

Palestinian resistance organizations took refuge in Beirut. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the city served as the headquarters of the Palestinian movement.

This was after the Palestine Liberation Organization was crushed in Jordan.

Beirut was torn apart by a devastating civil war. For 15 years, two groups fought for control.

The Lebanese right-wing parties backed by the United States and the left-wing parties, who allied with Yasser Arafat and the Soviet Union.

The civil war ended years ago. But, Beirut is still struggling to bounce back. Flawed policies and sudden shocks have pushed Lebanon to its worst economic crisis.

There were major protests last year. In 2019, Lebanon’s poverty rate stood at 33 per cent.

The World Bank predicted that one out of two Lebanese citizens may soon live below the poverty line. The people are angry with the political elite.

Unlike several countries in the Arab world, Lebanon is not dominated by one strong ruler. Leading to a fractured political landscape.

Made worse by a system of quotas. There are 18 officially recognized sects. The Lebanese parliament is half Christian and half Muslim. According to the rules, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim and the president a Maronite Christian, while the speaker must be a Shi'ite.&nbsp;

The sudden shock of the Wuhan virus pandemic has hit Beirut hard.

The people of Lebanon have enjoyed the finer pleasures of life. Even during political upheavals and civil violence. &nbsp;But -- the prevailing crisis threatens the very existence of the Lebanese way of life.

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past. The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night.

Beirut was supposed to be an economic, cultural and political hub of West Asia. But, the city is struggling to rise from its bloody past. The city of Beirut hides its charm for the night. That is when the nightlife hotspots of the city come to life. The party never stopped in Beirut. Even when the city was torn apart by a bloody civil war in the last century. The old holiday inn, with bullet holes and battered walls, still stands in the center of the city. Beirut, once known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, has become a city of baffling contradictions. From 1952 to 1975, Beirut was a hub of economic, social, intellectual and cultural life in West Asia. Most of the Arab wealth flowed through this city due to country's free economic and foreign exchange system, including a banking-secrecy law. Beirut is well connected via a seaport and airport. Something that made the city a paradise for businessmen. Also for politicians escaping upheavals and military coups. It is still seen as one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world. In the 1970s, the city’s french architecture, cuisine and equal rights for women often sparked comparisons with Paris. Palestinian resistance organizations took refuge in Beirut. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the city served as the headquarters of the Palestinian movement. This was after the Palestine Liberation Organization was crushed in Jordan. Beirut was torn apart by a devastating civil war. For 15 years, two groups fought for control. The Lebanese right-wing parties backed by the United States and the left-wing parties, who allied with Yasser Arafat and the Soviet Union. The civil war ended years ago. But, Beirut is still struggling to bounce back. Flawed policies and sudden shocks have pushed Lebanon to its worst economic crisis. There were major protests last year. In 2019, Lebanon’s poverty rate stood at 33 per cent. The World Bank predicted that one out of two Lebanese citizens may soon live below the poverty line. The people are angry with the political elite. Unlike several countries in the Arab world, Lebanon is not dominated by one strong ruler. Leading to a fractured political landscape. Made worse by a system of quotas. There are 18 officially recognized sects. The Lebanese parliament is half Christian and half Muslim. According to the rules, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim and the president a Maronite Christian, while the speaker must be a Shi'ite. The sudden shock of the Wuhan virus pandemic has hit Beirut hard. The people of Lebanon have enjoyed the finer pleasures of life. Even during political upheavals and civil violence. But -- the prevailing crisis threatens the very existence of the Lebanese way of life.

Beirut, once jewel of Mediterranean, now a city of baffling contradictions

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

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.

<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>

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.

Watch:

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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.

<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" />

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.

<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" />

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.

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&nbsp;used in fertilisers and bombs&nbsp;had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures.&nbsp;

No group has yet taken responsibility for the blasts even as the city battles to come to grip with the latest massacre. 
&nbsp;

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 blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened.

"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.

Numbers expected to shoot up

According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Being seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-massive-explosion-in-beirut-rises-to-78-pm-says-those-responsible-will-pay-318197" hreflang="en">Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay</a>

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”.

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city 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.

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Leaders angered by blast

Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

“Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address.

The blast occurred in the city's port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, Lebanon's state news agency NNA and two security sources said. A third security source said there were chemicals stored in the area.

Lebanon's economy has collapsed in recent months, with the local currency plummeting against the dollar, businesses closing en masse and poverty soaring at the same alarming rate as unemployment.&nbsp;

The blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened.

The blast in Lebanon’s Beirut has killed more than 100 people, as per the Lebanese Red Cross. A giant smoke cloud was seen at the site, before high speed wind shockwaves impacted the area near the city’s port where it happened. "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. Numbers expected to shoot up According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Being seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city. Also read: Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay 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”. While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city 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. Leaders angered by blast Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east. Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community “Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The blast occurred in the city's port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, Lebanon's state news agency NNA and two security sources said. A third security source said there were chemicals stored in the area. Lebanon's economy has collapsed in recent months, with the local currency plummeting against the dollar, businesses closing en masse and poverty soaring at the same alarming rate as unemployment.

Explosion in Beirut killed more than 100 people, toll expected to go up: Lebanese Red Cross

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack.

In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

More to come

According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

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”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-10-killed-hundreds-injured-in-massive-blast-in-beirut-318177" hreflang="en">At least 10 killed, hundreds injured in massive blast in Beirut</a>

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city 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.

The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard all over the city.

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Overburdened hospitals

Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east.

Locals first mistook it for an earthquake, owing to how big it was. In the aftermath of the blast, people could be seen lying on the streets, wounded, some dead.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

Hospitals are facing the brunt of the tragedy. A medic told Reuters that over 200 to 300 people were admitted into one emergency department. “I’ve never seen this. It was horrible”, the medic Rouba said.

Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”.

“Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The US embassy has released a warning in the city asking people to stay indoors and wear masks as toxic gases from the blast may be lurking in the city.

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city.

Death toll from a huge blast in port warehouses near central Beirut has gone up to 78. An additional 4,000 people have been injured in the attack. In the fallout of the explosion, windows were smashed, and the ground shook in the capital city. More to come According to officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. 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”. Also read: At least 10 killed, hundreds injured in massive blast in Beirut While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city 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. The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard all over the city. Overburdened hospitals Hospitals in the city became quickly occupied, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to this, many were taken outside the city. Additional ambulances were called in from northern and southern parts of the country. Ambulances also came in from the Bekaa valley in the east. Locals first mistook it for an earthquake, owing to how big it was. In the aftermath of the blast, people could be seen lying on the streets, wounded, some dead. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community Hospitals are facing the brunt of the tragedy. A medic told Reuters that over 200 to 300 people were admitted into one emergency department. “I’ve never seen this. It was horrible”, the medic Rouba said. Hassan Diab, the PM of the country said that there would be accountability for the deadly blast at the “dangerous warehouse”. “Those responsible will pay the price”, he announced in an address. The US embassy has released a warning in the city asking people to stay indoors and wear masks as toxic gases from the blast may be lurking in the city.

Death toll from massive explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM says 'those responsible will pay'

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

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country.

Trump said that he had spoken to US military officials about the attack, who believed that it caused by a “bomb of some kind”.

According to Lebanon’s interior minister, highly explosive material which was seized years ago and was stored at the port had blown up, causing the deaths of at least 78 people, and injuring thousands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-massive-explosion-in-beirut-rises-to-78-pm-says-those-responsible-will-pay-318197" hreflang="en">Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay</a>

"It would seem like it based on the explosion, I met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was. This was not a some kind of a manufacturing explosion type of event. This was a seems to be according to them, they would know better than I would, but they seemed to think it was an attack. It was a bomb of some kind. Yes”, the US president said.

The president also offered his sympathies to the people of Lebanon.

"Let me begin by sending America's deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon, where reports indicate that many, many people were killed, hundreds more were very badly wounded in a large explosion in Beirut. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon, a very good relationship with the people of Lebanon. And we will be there to help. It looks like a terrible attack”, he said at a press briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beirut-blast-indian-mission-in-lebanon-in-touch-with-indian-community-318188" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community</a>

According to local officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis.

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”.

While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks.

The blast hit the city 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.

The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard in the city.

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country.

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to a massive explosion in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut as a possible attack, and extended help to the country. Trump said that he had spoken to US military officials about the attack, who believed that it caused by a “bomb of some kind”. According to Lebanon’s interior minister, highly explosive material which was seized years ago and was stored at the port had blown up, causing the deaths of at least 78 people, and injuring thousands. Also read: Death toll from explosion in Beirut rises to 78; PM vows to make culprits pay "It would seem like it based on the explosion, I met with some of our great generals and they just seem to feel that it was. This was not a some kind of a manufacturing explosion type of event. This was a seems to be according to them, they would know better than I would, but they seemed to think it was an attack. It was a bomb of some kind. Yes”, the US president said. The president also offered his sympathies to the people of Lebanon. "Let me begin by sending America's deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon, where reports indicate that many, many people were killed, hundreds more were very badly wounded in a large explosion in Beirut. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon, a very good relationship with the people of Lebanon. And we will be there to help. It looks like a terrible attack”, he said at a press briefing. Also read: Beirut blast: Indian mission in Lebanon in touch with Indian community According to local officials, the death toll is expected to increase, with authorities digging through rubble to find more corpses. Been seen as the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years, it is a major blow the country already suffering because of coronavirus and an economic crisis. 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”. While calling an emergency cabinet meeting, the leader suggested imposing a state of emergency in the country for two weeks. The blast hit the city 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. The buzzing of helicopters, and ambulance sirens could be heard in the city.

Trump promises to assist Lebanon, calls the Beirut explosion an 'attack'

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;

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:&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>

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:&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>

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.

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.

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:&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>

"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;

"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.&nbsp;

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, 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

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.

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&nbsp;Beirut" which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel.

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>

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".&nbsp;

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>

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;

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:&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>

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'&nbsp;

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&nbsp;called the pictures and videos from&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;"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."

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

A huge explosion near the centre of Beirut killed at least 10 people, injured hundreds and sent shockwaves across the Lebanese capital, shattering windows and causing apartment balconies to collapse, witnesses and security sources said.

A huge explosion near the centre of Beirut killed at least 10 people, injured hundreds and sent shockwaves across the Lebanese capital, shattering windows and causing apartment balconies to collapse, witnesses and security sources said. The most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years shook the ground, leaving some residents thinking an earthquake had struck. Dazed and weeping, some of them wounded, people walked through streets checking to see if relatives were hurt. The blast occurred in the city's port area, where there were warehouses housing explosives, Lebanon's state news agency NNA and two security sources said. A third security source said there were chemicals stored in the area. A reporter present at the scene said every shop in the Hamra commercial district had sustained damage, with entire shopfronts destroyed, windows shattered and many cars wrecked. Here's a video of the Beirut explosion from a long distance away. It shifted the clouds. Turn your sound on and wait for the shockwave to hit. pic.twitter.com/N96583ucrR — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 4, 2020 × Injured people were walking in the street, while outside the Clemenceau Medical Centre, dozens of wounded people, many covered in blood, were rushing to be admitted to the centre including children. Destroyed cars had been abandoned in the street with their airbags inflated. A huge cloud of black smoke was engulfing the entire port area, according to report. The explosions came at a time when Lebanon is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades, which has left nearly half of the population in poverty. Lebanon's economy has collapsed in recent months, with the local currency plummeting against the dollar, businesses closing en masse and poverty soaring at the same alarming rate as unemployment. My brother sent me this, we live 10 KM away from the explosion site and the glass of our bldgs got shattered. #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/MPByBc673m — Abir Ghattas (@AbirGhattas) August 4, 2020 × The explosions also come as Lebanon awaits the verdict on Friday on the 2005 murder of former Lebanese premier Rafic Hariri, killed in a huge truck bomb attack. Four alleged members of the Shiite Muslim fundamentalist group Hezbollah are on trial in absentia at the court in the Netherlands over the huge Beirut suicide bombing that killed Sunni billionaire Hariri and 21 other people. A woman in the city centre told AFP: "It felt like an earthquake ... I felt it was bigger than the explosion in the assassination of Rafic Hariri in 2005". Tensions have also been high with neighbouring Israel, after Israel said it thwarted an infiltration attempt by up to five Hezbollah gunmen, a claim denied by the Iran-backed group. (With inputs from AFP)

At least 10 killed, hundreds injured in massive blast in Beirut

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in the capital of Lebanon Beirut on July 26 to protest against the ongoing Bisri dam project. Watch report.

Anti-dam protest erupts in Lebanon: Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Beirut

Anti-government protests turned violent as clashes erupted between police and protestors. Protestors hit the streets in capital Beirut. Watch report.

Protests hit Lebanon as currency hits record low | World News

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday.

The policy statement, on which the new government will seek a confidence vote in parliament, may still be amended. It was agreed on Saturday by a cabinet committee that will meet again on Monday to give it final approval.

The government, formed on January&nbsp;21 after the previous one was toppled by protests in October, warned Lebanese in the policy statement that it must quickly take "painful" steps to avoid "total collapse".

"It is not possible for any rescue plan to succeed if we do not reduce interest rates on loans and deposits in order to revitalise the economy and lower the cost of debt," said the statement.

Lebanon is suffering a crippling dollar shortage and has one of the world's highest levels of public debt. It must decide quickly how to deal with a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturing in March.

The statement called international donors to provide soft loans to help meet the treasury's financing needs, though it did not name any institutions or say how much was required.

Policy proposals included expediting a second licensing round for oil and gas exploration, appointing a new electricity sector regulator, and raising tax revenues with better collection and a progressive income tax.

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday.

A policy statement by Lebanon's new government calls for interest rate cuts and bank recapitalisation in a rescue plan that includes "painful steps" to address a financial crisis, according to a draft seen by Reuters on Sunday. The policy statement, on which the new government will seek a confidence vote in parliament, may still be amended. It was agreed on Saturday by a cabinet committee that will meet again on Monday to give it final approval. The government, formed on January 21 after the previous one was toppled by protests in October, warned Lebanese in the policy statement that it must quickly take "painful" steps to avoid "total collapse". "It is not possible for any rescue plan to succeed if we do not reduce interest rates on loans and deposits in order to revitalise the economy and lower the cost of debt," said the statement. Lebanon is suffering a crippling dollar shortage and has one of the world's highest levels of public debt. It must decide quickly how to deal with a $1.2 billion Eurobond maturing in March. The statement called international donors to provide soft loans to help meet the treasury's financing needs, though it did not name any institutions or say how much was required. Policy proposals included expediting a second licensing round for oil and gas exploration, appointing a new electricity sector regulator, and raising tax revenues with better collection and a progressive income tax.

Lebanon spells out 'painful steps' required in financial rescue plan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-new-pm-aims-to-form-government-within-six-weeks-report-269385">Lebanon's new government </a>faces huge upcoming debt repayments and a currency peg at breaking point, but it may already have run out of the hard cash firepower it needs to tackle these problems.

The heavily indebted country faces hefty bond repayments coming up in March and April when $1.34 billion and $842 million of interest and principal respectively come due.

Analysts expect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sanctions-hit-lebanese-bank-denies-hezbollah-ties-246636">central bank</a> to be able to foot the bill, for now, though some in Beirut believe a rescheduling or restructuring is preferable.

But as policymakers cling to the currency peg and with dollar flows have dried up, the question of how much ammunition the central bank has left has become ever more pertinent.

Some analysts calculate that the country's foreign currency reserves could be negative in real terms.

"In a crisis, there's no definition of what's usable," said Nafez Zouk at Oxford Economics. "If you have to defend the peg, what's usable and what's not usable changes, and you will have to touch the reserves held by banks at the central bank."

Lebanon's financial system has a complicated profile, with diaspora dollars attracted by high-interest rates forming a major source of hard cash and local banks holding large amounts of external hard currency bonds.

Officially, the country had foreign currency reserves of $31.5 billion at the end of December. The International Monetary Fund calculated that Lebanon had more than 11 months' worth of import cover - a level deemed ample by many measures.

But how large is the war chest in reality? Morgan Stanley calculates the current level of net reserves - or gross foreign currency holdings minus banks' mandatory reserves together with the country's own holdings - at $11.5 billion as of the end of 2019.

"Estimates of BDL's (Banque du Liban) usable reserves were wide-ranging, given the complex linkage between BDL and the domestic banks," Morgan Stanley strategist Jaiparan S Khurana wrote in a recent note to clients. Khurana also acknowledged that some calculations of reserves could end up with a negative number.

The fact that the central bank owes $67 billion to commercial banks would also turn the reserves number negative, said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survey-reveals-three-of-worlds-top-10-fastest-growing-cities-are-from-kerala-275133">Oxford Economic</a>'s Zouk. And even some policymakers agree.

"In my opinion, the reserve has become negative," outgoing economy minister&nbsp;Mansour Bteish said in an interview.

British estimates the shortfall between the central bank's liabilities to commercial banks - or hard currency deposits parked by lenders at the bank - and its own reserves at around $40 billion.

The c also holds $13.9 billion of gold and $5.7 billion of government holdings of dollar bonds.

While selling large quantities of gold is not that easy, countries under pressure such as Venezuela have mobilised their gold stacks as collateral for swap operations to gain access to hard currency.

Yet Zouk points out that Lebanon using its gold could be tricky as parliamentary approval is needed to do so and domestic public opinion is strongly against such a move.

And while it is unusual for a country's central bank and lenders to hold the foreign-denominated debt of their own sovereign, this could be a mitigating factor in the big debt repayments falling due soon, some analysts said.

Lebanon faces interest and principal payments of nearly $4.4 billion in all in 2020.

"Considering the foreign ownership is now 45 per cent, the net impact on the BDL's foreign reserve position from these payments will be smaller than what the headline number would suggest," Morgan Stanley's Khurana said.

While official data show that foreign currency reserves have held up better than many expected in recent months, trends in dollar flows the grease that has kept Lebanon's financial engine running for years - are a cause for concern, said JP Morgan.

"While capital controls helped keep resident FX deposits unchanged, non-resident FX deposits decreased by $2.1 billion as of end-November alone and total 2019 deposit outflows amounted to $12 billion as of end-November," JP&nbsp;Morgan analysts wrote in a note.

Beirut appears to be running out of road fast, said Oxford Economics' Zouk. He calculates that Beirut will honour its upcoming debt payments while leaving capital controls in place but that it will lack new dollar inflows while having to manage a current account deficit including a 30% per cent compression of imports and additional foreign currency leakage of $2 billion a month.

"Add all these up, and reserves are gone by September."

Lebanon's new government faces huge upcoming debt repayments and a currency peg at breaking point, but it may already have run out of the hard cash firepower it needs to tackle these problems.

Lebanon's new government faces huge upcoming debt repayments and a currency peg at breaking point, but it may already have run out of the hard cash firepower it needs to tackle these problems. The heavily indebted country faces hefty bond repayments coming up in March and April when $1.34 billion and $842 million of interest and principal respectively come due. Analysts expect the central bank to be able to foot the bill, for now, though some in Beirut believe a rescheduling or restructuring is preferable. But as policymakers cling to the currency peg and with dollar flows have dried up, the question of how much ammunition the central bank has left has become ever more pertinent. Some analysts calculate that the country's foreign currency reserves could be negative in real terms. "In a crisis, there's no definition of what's usable," said Nafez Zouk at Oxford Economics. "If you have to defend the peg, what's usable and what's not usable changes, and you will have to touch the reserves held by banks at the central bank." Lebanon's financial system has a complicated profile, with diaspora dollars attracted by high-interest rates forming a major source of hard cash and local banks holding large amounts of external hard currency bonds. Officially, the country had foreign currency reserves of $31.5 billion at the end of December. The International Monetary Fund calculated that Lebanon had more than 11 months' worth of import cover - a level deemed ample by many measures. But how large is the war chest in reality? Morgan Stanley calculates the current level of net reserves - or gross foreign currency holdings minus banks' mandatory reserves together with the country's own holdings - at $11.5 billion as of the end of 2019. "Estimates of BDL's (Banque du Liban) usable reserves were wide-ranging, given the complex linkage between BDL and the domestic banks," Morgan Stanley strategist Jaiparan S Khurana wrote in a recent note to clients. Khurana also acknowledged that some calculations of reserves could end up with a negative number. The fact that the central bank owes $67 billion to commercial banks would also turn the reserves number negative, said Oxford Economic's Zouk. And even some policymakers agree. "In my opinion, the reserve has become negative," outgoing economy minister Mansour Bteish said in an interview. British estimates the shortfall between the central bank's liabilities to commercial banks - or hard currency deposits parked by lenders at the bank - and its own reserves at around $40 billion. The c also holds $13.9 billion of gold and $5.7 billion of government holdings of dollar bonds. While selling large quantities of gold is not that easy, countries under pressure such as Venezuela have mobilised their gold stacks as collateral for swap operations to gain access to hard currency. Yet Zouk points out that Lebanon using its gold could be tricky as parliamentary approval is needed to do so and domestic public opinion is strongly against such a move. And while it is unusual for a country's central bank and lenders to hold the foreign-denominated debt of their own sovereign, this could be a mitigating factor in the big debt repayments falling due soon, some analysts said. Lebanon faces interest and principal payments of nearly $4.4 billion in all in 2020. "Considering the foreign ownership is now 45 per cent, the net impact on the BDL's foreign reserve position from these payments will be smaller than what the headline number would suggest," Morgan Stanley's Khurana said. While official data show that foreign currency reserves have held up better than many expected in recent months, trends in dollar flows the grease that has kept Lebanon's financial engine running for years - are a cause for concern, said JP Morgan. "While capital controls helped keep resident FX deposits unchanged, non-resident FX deposits decreased by $2.1 billion as of end-November alone and total 2019 deposit outflows amounted to $12 billion as of end-November," JP Morgan analysts wrote in a note. Beirut appears to be running out of road fast, said Oxford Economics' Zouk. He calculates that Beirut will honour its upcoming debt payments while leaving capital controls in place but that it will lack new dollar inflows while having to manage a current account deficit including a 30% per cent compression of imports and additional foreign currency leakage of $2 billion a month. "Add all these up, and reserves are gone by September."

Lebanon's new government may have little reserves left to stabilise economy

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