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Beirut explosion: Lebanon declares two-week state of emergency in capital – live updates Beirut explosion: death toll rises to 135 as about 5,000 people are wounded – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Lebanese government effectively gives military full powers in the capital after half the city damaged in blast that killed at least 100 and wounded 4,000 Lebanese government also declares two-week state of emergency in Beirut after half the city damaged in blast
Lebanese news channel, Al Manar TV, is quoting the country’s health minister as saying the toll has now risen, with tens of people still missing.
More and more shocking videos of the blast and its effects are coming in. BBC Arabic journalist, Maryem Taoumi, was filming an interview when the shockwave hit.
This video of a woman in Beirut playing Auld Lang Syne on the piano in her blasted-out living room is being circulated online.This video of a woman in Beirut playing Auld Lang Syne on the piano in her blasted-out living room is being circulated online.
The government has also approved the spending of 100bn Lebanese pounds to deal with the crisis. That is worth around $13m (nearly £10m) as the unofficial exchange rate has gone into a virtual freefall.The government has also approved the spending of 100bn Lebanese pounds to deal with the crisis. That is worth around $13m (nearly £10m) as the unofficial exchange rate has gone into a virtual freefall.
The Lebanese government has declared a two-week state of emergency, effectively giving the military full powers in the capital.The Lebanese government has declared a two-week state of emergency, effectively giving the military full powers in the capital.
The government announced the measure during a cabinet meeting, according to the Associated Press.The government announced the measure during a cabinet meeting, according to the Associated Press.
It confirmed earlier reports that the government was putting an unspecified number of Beirut port officials under house arrest pending an investigation into how 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate came to be stored at the port for years.It confirmed earlier reports that the government was putting an unspecified number of Beirut port officials under house arrest pending an investigation into how 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate came to be stored at the port for years.
Here are two astonishing videos from the blast.Here are two astonishing videos from the blast.
The first captures a priest ducking from what appears to be plummeting stained glass windows.The first captures a priest ducking from what appears to be plummeting stained glass windows.
This one, meanwhile, shows a bride posing as the shockwave hits the area.This one, meanwhile, shows a bride posing as the shockwave hits the area.
Our graphics team have worked up this excellent visual guide to give you an idea of the magnitude of the blast:Our graphics team have worked up this excellent visual guide to give you an idea of the magnitude of the blast:
Another charity working in Lebanon, Islamic Relief, has warned that the country was already in a very precarious position before Tuesday’s blast.Another charity working in Lebanon, Islamic Relief, has warned that the country was already in a very precarious position before Tuesday’s blast.
“This is yet another tragedy for a country that is already deep in crisis on multiple fronts,” said Nidal Ali, the group’s Lebanon director.“This is yet another tragedy for a country that is already deep in crisis on multiple fronts,” said Nidal Ali, the group’s Lebanon director.
“The economy is the worst it has been in decades, with nearly half the population living below the poverty line and 35% of people out of work. Many of Lebanon’s population are refugees who have struggled for a long time. But now even middle-class families have been fighting to put food on the table. For nearly a year, all people have been concerned with is, ‘how am I going to eat tomorrow?’”“The economy is the worst it has been in decades, with nearly half the population living below the poverty line and 35% of people out of work. Many of Lebanon’s population are refugees who have struggled for a long time. But now even middle-class families have been fighting to put food on the table. For nearly a year, all people have been concerned with is, ‘how am I going to eat tomorrow?’”
He adds: “In October last year, we had to put all our long-term programmes on hold and prioritise food parcels as the economic crisis became a humanitarian emergency.“This was all before the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill earlier this year. Lebanon has seen a spike in cases over recent weeks, and hospitals are overrun.”He adds: “In October last year, we had to put all our long-term programmes on hold and prioritise food parcels as the economic crisis became a humanitarian emergency.“This was all before the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill earlier this year. Lebanon has seen a spike in cases over recent weeks, and hospitals are overrun.”
Reuters is now reporting that Lebanon’s government has agreed to place all Beirut port officials who have overseen storage and security since 2014 under house arrest, citing ministerial sources.Reuters is now reporting that Lebanon’s government has agreed to place all Beirut port officials who have overseen storage and security since 2014 under house arrest, citing ministerial sources.
The Lebanon representative for the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has released a powerful statement on the blast.The Lebanon representative for the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has released a powerful statement on the blast.
“Our hearts are with children and families who have been impacted, especially those who lost their loved ones,” said Yukie Mokuo.“Our hearts are with children and families who have been impacted, especially those who lost their loved ones,” said Yukie Mokuo.
“Unicef’s team in Beirut has not been spared. One of our colleagues lost his spouse, seven of our staff were mildly injured and dozens of personnel’s homes were damaged. Most of our staff- as are most people in Lebanon- are in a state of shock.”“Unicef’s team in Beirut has not been spared. One of our colleagues lost his spouse, seven of our staff were mildly injured and dozens of personnel’s homes were damaged. Most of our staff- as are most people in Lebanon- are in a state of shock.”
She said the agency was providing drinking water to staff at the Beirut port and are supporting the ministry of public health to take out what is left of stored medicines and vaccines in a warehouse at the port”.She said the agency was providing drinking water to staff at the Beirut port and are supporting the ministry of public health to take out what is left of stored medicines and vaccines in a warehouse at the port”.
“Child protection partners are providing psycho-social support to affected children across the city. Over the coming days, we will increase our efforts to reach families in need with much needed assistance.“Child protection partners are providing psycho-social support to affected children across the city. Over the coming days, we will increase our efforts to reach families in need with much needed assistance.
“Yesterday’s catastrophe in Beirut adds to what has already been a terrible crisis for the people of Lebanon compounded by an economic collapse and a surge in Coronavirus cases. The pandemic already meant that hospitals are overwhelmed, and frontline workers are exhausted.”“Yesterday’s catastrophe in Beirut adds to what has already been a terrible crisis for the people of Lebanon compounded by an economic collapse and a surge in Coronavirus cases. The pandemic already meant that hospitals are overwhelmed, and frontline workers are exhausted.”
From my colleague, Helena, who is in Athens: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.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.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.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.”“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.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.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.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 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.“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.