Hospitals in Beirut are said to be overwhelmed following a large blast in the Lebanese capital on Tuesday which has claimed over 70 lives with more than 4,000 others injured.
Videos show thick smoke billowing from a huge building following the blast at the city’s port.
Lebanese Authorities say the blast was caused by highly explosive materials identified to be 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was stored unsafely in a warehouse for six years.
President Michel Aoun has described the situation as “unacceptable”.
According to the BBC, an investigation is under way to find the exact trigger for the explosion.
Reports say Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council has said those responsible would face the “maximum punishment” possible.
Meanwhile President Aoun has declared a three-day mourning period and disclosed government would release 100 billion lira (£50.5m; $66m) of emergency funds in response to the situation.
