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Beirut explosion: over half the city damaged in blast that killed at least 100 and wounded 4,000 – live updates Beirut explosion: claims 'nothing was done' for years over ammonium nitrate at Lebanon port – live updates
(32 minutes later)
EU gathers emergency workers and equipment from member states as Lebanon PM Hassan Diab appeals for international assistance Lebanon PM appeals for international assistance with over half the city damaged in blast that killed at least 100 and wounded 4,000
More reports appear to corroborate allegations that negligence may have been the cause of the blast. From my colleague, Helena, who is in Athens:
Greece has dispatched a Special Disaster Unit rescue team to Lebanon following Beirut’s request for relief through the EU civil protection mechanism.
Rushed to the country earlier today, the team was escorted by the deputy foreign minister.
In a tweet, Greece’s president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, said the Greek people were standing “in solidarity” with the crisis-hit nation.
“Devastated by the tragic images of destruction in Beirut,” the head of state said in a message posted on her official Twitter account. “Words cannot describe our pain and sorrow. My deepest condolences to President General [Michel] Aoun and the families of the victims. In these difficult moments, the Greek people stand in solidarity with the Lebanese people.”
Among the victims are at least three Greeks including a woman who died in the blast.
There appear to be scuffles in central Beirut between crowds of people and forces loyal to the former prime minister, Saad Hariri. As mentioned previously, the long-standing anger directed at Lebanon’s megarich ruling class is boiling today.
Further reports appear to corroborate allegations that negligence may have been the cause of the blast.
Reuters is quoting an unidentified official source familiar with the findings of an initial investigation as saying there were years of inaction around the removal of the ammonium nitrate.Reuters is quoting an unidentified official source familiar with the findings of an initial investigation as saying there were years of inaction around the removal of the ammonium nitrate.
“It is negligence,” the official source told the news agency, adding that the issue on storing the material safely had come before several committees and judges and “nothing was done” to order the material be removed or disposed of. “It is negligence,” the official source told the news agency, adding that the issue of storing the material safely had come before several committees and judges and “nothing was done” to order the material be removed or disposed of.
The source said a fire had started at port warehouse 9 on Tuesday and spread to warehouse 12, where the ammonium nitrate was stored.The source said a fire had started at port warehouse 9 on Tuesday and spread to warehouse 12, where the ammonium nitrate was stored.
Another source close to a port employee told Reuters that a team that inspected the material six months ago warned it could “blow up all of Beirut” if not removed.Another source close to a port employee told Reuters that a team that inspected the material six months ago warned it could “blow up all of Beirut” if not removed.
Australia is donating $2m AUD (around £1.1m) to Lebanon. The money will be divided equally between the UN World Food Programme and the Red Cross.Australia is donating $2m AUD (around £1.1m) to Lebanon. The money will be divided equally between the UN World Food Programme and the Red Cross.
Foreign minister Marise Payne said in the statement announcing the aid that the Australian embassy in Beirut had been damaged significantly by the explosions, with some staff receiving injuries.Foreign minister Marise Payne said in the statement announcing the aid that the Australian embassy in Beirut had been damaged significantly by the explosions, with some staff receiving injuries.
Our correspondent in Moscow, Andrew Roth, has some gripping details on the ship that brought the ammonium nitrate to Beirut:Our correspondent in Moscow, Andrew Roth, has some gripping details on the ship that brought the ammonium nitrate to Beirut:
Little is known about the Russian owner of the Rhosus, the cargo ship impounded in Beirut in 2014, whose captain had referred to its freight of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate fertiliser as a “floating bomb”.Little is known about the Russian owner of the Rhosus, the cargo ship impounded in Beirut in 2014, whose captain had referred to its freight of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate fertiliser as a “floating bomb”.
That ammonium nitrate is believed to have fuelled the devastating explosion that has left more than 100 dead in Beirut.That ammonium nitrate is believed to have fuelled the devastating explosion that has left more than 100 dead in Beirut.
Former crew members said the ship was owned by Igor Grechushkin, a Russian national believed to be living in Cyprus, where he holds either citizenship or residency. Grechushkin, a native of the far-eastern city of Khabarovsk, is reported to have managed Teto Shipping, which owned the Rhosus.Former crew members said the ship was owned by Igor Grechushkin, a Russian national believed to be living in Cyprus, where he holds either citizenship or residency. Grechushkin, a native of the far-eastern city of Khabarovsk, is reported to have managed Teto Shipping, which owned the Rhosus.
The ship arrived in Beirut in 2013 while sailing from Georgia to Mozambique. It was prevented from leaving the Beirut port in 2014 over an unspecified dispute, either because the ship was deemed not seaworthy or because the owner had failed to pay the necessary fees to the port.The ship arrived in Beirut in 2013 while sailing from Georgia to Mozambique. It was prevented from leaving the Beirut port in 2014 over an unspecified dispute, either because the ship was deemed not seaworthy or because the owner had failed to pay the necessary fees to the port.
It was then that Grechushkin is said to have walked away from the ship, refusing to answer calls or negotiate with the port authorities for the release of his sailors.It was then that Grechushkin is said to have walked away from the ship, refusing to answer calls or negotiate with the port authorities for the release of his sailors.
In complaints to the press in 2014, former crew members said they had been “abandoned” in Beirut and had not been paid their wages for nearly a year. “The owner [of the ship] has virtually abandoned the ship and its crew,” wrote the ship’s former captain. “Salaries are not paid, supplies are not purchased. The shipowner has refused the cargo.”In complaints to the press in 2014, former crew members said they had been “abandoned” in Beirut and had not been paid their wages for nearly a year. “The owner [of the ship] has virtually abandoned the ship and its crew,” wrote the ship’s former captain. “Salaries are not paid, supplies are not purchased. The shipowner has refused the cargo.”
A deleted LinkedIn profile lists Grechushkin as living in Cyprus and as working as a manager at Unimar Service Ltd. Calls to a company with a similar name and profile, Unimar Safety Services and Equipment, on Wednesday were not answered. Calls to a number for Grechushkin listed by the aggrieved crew members also went unanswered.The letter, which was sent to Russian journalists by the Rhosus’s former captain in 2014, also complained about being “held hostage” onboard the ship. The Beirut authorities “don’t want an abandoned ship at port, especially with a cargo of explosives, which is what ammonium nitrate is. That is, this is a floating bomb, and the crew is a hostage aboard this bomb.”A deleted LinkedIn profile lists Grechushkin as living in Cyprus and as working as a manager at Unimar Service Ltd. Calls to a company with a similar name and profile, Unimar Safety Services and Equipment, on Wednesday were not answered. Calls to a number for Grechushkin listed by the aggrieved crew members also went unanswered.The letter, which was sent to Russian journalists by the Rhosus’s former captain in 2014, also complained about being “held hostage” onboard the ship. The Beirut authorities “don’t want an abandoned ship at port, especially with a cargo of explosives, which is what ammonium nitrate is. That is, this is a floating bomb, and the crew is a hostage aboard this bomb.”
The mostly Ukrainian crew were held onboard the ship for nearly a year before they were released. The ammonium nitrate was confiscated and held at the port in a warehouse.The mostly Ukrainian crew were held onboard the ship for nearly a year before they were released. The ammonium nitrate was confiscated and held at the port in a warehouse.
The Russian television station Ren TV published a photograph on Wednesday of a man it said was Grechushkin in tight-fitting jeans and sunglasses sitting astride a motorcycle. The television station did not indicate the source of the photograph.The Russian television station Ren TV published a photograph on Wednesday of a man it said was Grechushkin in tight-fitting jeans and sunglasses sitting astride a motorcycle. The television station did not indicate the source of the photograph.
From my colleague, Emma:From my colleague, Emma:
Amid the horror, there was also incredible humanity on display, with the wounded recounting how they were helped to hospitals by complete strangers, and those whose homes survived offering hundreds of thousands of estimated homeless a place to stay.Amid the horror, there was also incredible humanity on display, with the wounded recounting how they were helped to hospitals by complete strangers, and those whose homes survived offering hundreds of thousands of estimated homeless a place to stay.
Videos shared on social media also showed parents and carers trying to physically shelter small children from the blast with their bodies.Videos shared on social media also showed parents and carers trying to physically shelter small children from the blast with their bodies.
New York Times reporter Vivian Yee was injured in the blast, but managed to write a powerful account of the hours that followed. She staggered bleeding into the street where a man passing on a motorbike offered to take her to hospital. It was full, but another stranger bandaged her worst wound, and a third helped clean the others.New York Times reporter Vivian Yee was injured in the blast, but managed to write a powerful account of the hours that followed. She staggered bleeding into the street where a man passing on a motorbike offered to take her to hospital. It was full, but another stranger bandaged her worst wound, and a third helped clean the others.
“The Lebanese who would help me in the hours to come had the heartbreaking steadiness that comes from having lived through countless previous disasters. Nearly all of them were strangers, yet they treated me like a friend,” she wrote.“The Lebanese who would help me in the hours to come had the heartbreaking steadiness that comes from having lived through countless previous disasters. Nearly all of them were strangers, yet they treated me like a friend,” she wrote.
The European Union is activating its civil protection system to round up emergency workers and equipment from across the 27-nation bloc to help Beirut, according to the Associated Press.The European Union is activating its civil protection system to round up emergency workers and equipment from across the 27-nation bloc to help Beirut, according to the Associated Press.
The EU commission says the plan is to urgently dispatch over 100 firefighters with vehicles, sniffer dogs and equipment designed to find people trapped in urban areas. The Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Poland and the Netherlands are taking part and others are expected to join.The EU commission says the plan is to urgently dispatch over 100 firefighters with vehicles, sniffer dogs and equipment designed to find people trapped in urban areas. The Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Poland and the Netherlands are taking part and others are expected to join.
The EU’s satellite mapping system will help Lebanese authorities to establish the extent of the damage. Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarcic says the EU “shares the shock and sadness” of Beirut residents and stands ready to provide extra help.The EU’s satellite mapping system will help Lebanese authorities to establish the extent of the damage. Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarcic says the EU “shares the shock and sadness” of Beirut residents and stands ready to provide extra help.
Looking ahead, there are concerns around Lebanon’s import-dependent food supply. In photos of the aftermath, you will be able to see destroyed wheat silos. Those accounted for up to 85% of the country’s grain, according to estimates, although they were reportedly nearly empty during the blast.Looking ahead, there are concerns around Lebanon’s import-dependent food supply. In photos of the aftermath, you will be able to see destroyed wheat silos. Those accounted for up to 85% of the country’s grain, according to estimates, although they were reportedly nearly empty during the blast.
Reuters is quoting the economy minister, Raoul Nehme, as saying the nation has less than a month’s reserves of the grain but still with enough flour to avoid a crisis. the economy minister said on Wednesday.Reuters is quoting the economy minister, Raoul Nehme, as saying the nation has less than a month’s reserves of the grain but still with enough flour to avoid a crisis. the economy minister said on Wednesday.
Minister of Public Works Michel Najjar has said the country will now use the northern city of Tripoli as Lebanon’s main shipping port. It is currently operating at less than half of its total capacity.Minister of Public Works Michel Najjar has said the country will now use the northern city of Tripoli as Lebanon’s main shipping port. It is currently operating at less than half of its total capacity.
This video, which we have not verified, is being shared on Twitter. It is said to be of a protester attacking the car of the former Lebanese prime minister, Saad Hariri, earlier today.This video, which we have not verified, is being shared on Twitter. It is said to be of a protester attacking the car of the former Lebanese prime minister, Saad Hariri, earlier today.
Hariri resigned last year following mass protests demanding an end to rampant corruption and mismanagement of the country. Tuesday’s blast has compounded anger from Lebanese people focused on the ruling classes.Hariri resigned last year following mass protests demanding an end to rampant corruption and mismanagement of the country. Tuesday’s blast has compounded anger from Lebanese people focused on the ruling classes.
The location is the site of the grave of Hariri’s late father, Rafik, who was killed by a truck bomb 15 years ago.The location is the site of the grave of Hariri’s late father, Rafik, who was killed by a truck bomb 15 years ago.
The French presidency has just confirmed that Emmanuel Macron will travel to Beirut tomorrow (Thursday).The French presidency has just confirmed that Emmanuel Macron will travel to Beirut tomorrow (Thursday).
Pallets of aid are being loaded in Dubai to be flown to Beirut:Pallets of aid are being loaded in Dubai to be flown to Beirut:
Separately, Germany said it is ready to send a team of 47 search-and-rescue experts. The country’s embassy was damaged in the blast.Separately, Germany said it is ready to send a team of 47 search-and-rescue experts. The country’s embassy was damaged in the blast.
France, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait are also shipping supplies. French emergency workers include members of a special unit with chemical training to intervene in damaged industrial sites.France, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait are also shipping supplies. French emergency workers include members of a special unit with chemical training to intervene in damaged industrial sites.
Here is another Instagram account set up to help. This one is filled with posts from people around Lebanon who are offering up their homes and businesses for people to stay.Here is another Instagram account set up to help. This one is filled with posts from people around Lebanon who are offering up their homes and businesses for people to stay.
It seems to be anything from studio apartments to empty schools to entire hotels.It seems to be anything from studio apartments to empty schools to entire hotels.
Bangladesh’s military has said at least 21 Bangladesh navy members of the multinational United Nations force in Beirut were injured. One of the injured is in critical condition and had been admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center, according to the Associated Press.Bangladesh’s military has said at least 21 Bangladesh navy members of the multinational United Nations force in Beirut were injured. One of the injured is in critical condition and had been admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Italy’s defence minister, Lorenzo Guerini, said one soldier assigned to the country’s contingent in Lebanon is injured.Meanwhile, Italy’s defence minister, Lorenzo Guerini, said one soldier assigned to the country’s contingent in Lebanon is injured.
The UN operates peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, as well as units to prevent the movement of illegal arms.The UN operates peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, as well as units to prevent the movement of illegal arms.
The first satellite image of the crater:The first satellite image of the crater:
The tweeter says the image is from the company, Planet.The tweeter says the image is from the company, Planet.
An Instagram account has been set up to locate people who went missing in Beirut.An Instagram account has been set up to locate people who went missing in Beirut.
The account is also posting lists of people admitted to various hospitals in the city, to help people find their loved ones.The account is also posting lists of people admitted to various hospitals in the city, to help people find their loved ones.
Hello, Oliver Holmes here again, taking over from Rebecca.Hello, Oliver Holmes here again, taking over from Rebecca.
AFP is quoting the governor of Beirut, Marwan Abboud, as saying the damage from the port blast has extended over half of the city, with the cost of damage likely above $3bn.AFP is quoting the governor of Beirut, Marwan Abboud, as saying the damage from the port blast has extended over half of the city, with the cost of damage likely above $3bn.
He has also upped his previous estimate of the number of “homeless” to 300,000, which is close to the total population of the central part of the capital. Again, we are not sure if he is talking about homelessness or people whose homes have been damaged.He has also upped his previous estimate of the number of “homeless” to 300,000, which is close to the total population of the central part of the capital. Again, we are not sure if he is talking about homelessness or people whose homes have been damaged.
Beirut awoke to scenes of devastation this morning, following two huge explosions in its port which sent a blast wave across the city, killing at least 100 people and injuring nearly 4,000.Beirut awoke to scenes of devastation this morning, following two huge explosions in its port which sent a blast wave across the city, killing at least 100 people and injuring nearly 4,000.
Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab appealed to all countries and friends of Lebanon to extend help to the nation, saying: “We are witnessing a real catastrophe.” He earlier said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a common industrial chemical used in fertiliser and as a component in mining explosives. Diab declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion, and promised accountability.Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab appealed to all countries and friends of Lebanon to extend help to the nation, saying: “We are witnessing a real catastrophe.” He earlier said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a common industrial chemical used in fertiliser and as a component in mining explosives. Diab declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the explosion, and promised accountability.
Rescuers have continued to search for victims who remain trapped under rubble. In one video shared on Wednesday, a search team can be heard clapping and cheering as a survivor is pulled to safety.Rescuers have continued to search for victims who remain trapped under rubble. In one video shared on Wednesday, a search team can be heard clapping and cheering as a survivor is pulled to safety.
Residents, desperate to reach their loved ones, are sharing pictures of missing relatives, as well as phone numbers online. Throughout the night, TV and radio presenters in Lebanon read the names of the missing or wounded.Residents, desperate to reach their loved ones, are sharing pictures of missing relatives, as well as phone numbers online. Throughout the night, TV and radio presenters in Lebanon read the names of the missing or wounded.
Hospitals, several of which were damaged in the blast, have been inundated with patients. In Gemmayze district, medical teams were forced to triage patients in a car park, while the Red Cross said it is coordinating with the Lebanese health ministry to set up morgues.Hospitals, several of which were damaged in the blast, have been inundated with patients. In Gemmayze district, medical teams were forced to triage patients in a car park, while the Red Cross said it is coordinating with the Lebanese health ministry to set up morgues.
Aerial images from the scene of the explosion illustrate the impact of the blast, which destroyed crucial silos that contained around 85% of the country’s grain. Lebanon’s economy minister, Raoul Nehme, said the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries cannot be used and that the ministry lost track of seven employees in the granaries.Aerial images from the scene of the explosion illustrate the impact of the blast, which destroyed crucial silos that contained around 85% of the country’s grain. Lebanon’s economy minister, Raoul Nehme, said the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries cannot be used and that the ministry lost track of seven employees in the granaries.
Governments worldwide have offered support, including the UK, France, Australia, the US, Canada and Israel.Governments worldwide have offered support, including the UK, France, Australia, the US, Canada and Israel.
MTV says that a team of its journalists have been arrested while out reporting on the aftermath of yesterday’s explosion.MTV says that a team of its journalists have been arrested while out reporting on the aftermath of yesterday’s explosion.
Lebanon is considered one of the more liberal media environments in the region, though reporters have warned that the space for the free press is shrinking.Lebanon is considered one of the more liberal media environments in the region, though reporters have warned that the space for the free press is shrinking.