More than a hundred dead in Beirut explosion (Updated)

Updated

The number of people dead in the massive explosions in the port of Beirut on Tuesday (4 August) is now over one hundred, and is expected to rise, as a number of people are reported missing. More than four thousand people were injured.

Among the effected groups is the large Armenian community of Lebanon. According to the Armenian foreign ministry six Armenians have been reported killed in the incident. Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Anna Naghdalian wrote on her facebook page

"A working group has been set up at the MFA to coordinate—with the crisis structure of Lebanon—the provision of targeted assistance to Lebanon. The RA embassy in Lebanon is in constant contact with the relevant local authorities to jointly assess the needs of the Lebanese side and the scope of assistance.

In parallel, contact is maintained with Armenian community structures [in Beirut] to assess [their] needs.

The embassy in Lebanon is working in an emergency mode; there is a hotline," 

___________________________

The Lebanese capital Beirut was the scene of devastation today, after a large explosion in the port area of the city.

Preliminary figures put the number of dead at fifty, with more than two thousand injured.

Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.

Lebanon's internal security chief said the blast happened in an area housing highly explosive materials.

Among those affected are the Armenian community of the city. A spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry said that at least one person of Armenian descent was killed and several others were injured. It is also understood that the Armenian embassy in the Lebanese capital has been damaged.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: Smoke and scenes of devastation in the port area of Beirut after a huge explosion on 4 August 2020 (picture courtesy of TASS news agency, Moscow.

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

Trump recommends 50% tariff on the European Union, starting 1st June

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is “recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union” after complaining that trade negotiations have stalled. The steep new import duties would start on 1st June, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The EU “has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”