The Queen has sent a condolence message to the President of Lebanon following the massive explosion in Beirut that took place yesterday afternoon.
In her message, Her Majesty, on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh and herself, said: “Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened by news of the explosion at the Port in Beirut yesterday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives, and all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.
“Elizabeth R”
Jordan’s King Abdullah has ordered that the flags at the Royal Hashemite Court be flown at half-mast for three days in memory of those who lost their lives. He has also ordered a military field hospital to deploy immediately to Beirut to help treat those injured in the huge blast in the city.
Yesterday, a massive explosion ripped through central Beirut near the capital’s port where a large mushroom cloud shock wave went through the city, blowing out most windows, knocking off balconies, causing ceilings to fall in and other damage. At least 100 people have been killed and another 4,000 wounded in an explosion that has been compared to a nuclear bomb in its devastation. Reportedly it has caused $5 billion in damage.
The Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, said it had been caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was being stored unsafely in a warehouse at the port.
Lebanon’s Economic Minister said that every business in the capital has been impacted by the blast.
