Beirut Explosions: Over 300,000 displaced, 2 weeks of emergency imposed in city
- 113 people have lost their lives in twin explosions
- Over 4,000 have been injured
- Lebanon Information Minister has called for house arrest of officials at Beirut port
Lebanon President Michel Aoun on Wednesday said that a two-week emergency will be imposed in the capital city Beirut following two massive explosions on Tuesday which killed over 110 people and injured thousands. The government said it wanted to place officials under house arrest, who organised the storage of ammonium nitrate at the port, following the blasts.
Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said that more than 300,000 people have been displaced. Beirut on Tuesday was rocked by two blasts, second on being a colossal explosion that sent shockwaves across the capital city, shaking buildings, shattering glasses and causing widespread damage.
The cause of the explosions have been linked to some 2,7500 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse of the port for around six years.
Read more: 2,750 tonnes of fertiliser, 4000 injuries: What we know about Beirut explosions
“We call on the military leadership to impose house arrest on all those who organised the storage of ammonium nitrate at Beirut’s port,” Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said.
Meanwhile, a day of national mourning was observed in Lebonon on Wednesday, called by Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
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