Beirut explosion: over half the city damaged in blast that killed at least 100 and wounded 4,000 – live updates | The Guardian

EU gathers emergency workers and equipment from member states as Lebanon PM Hassan Diab appeals for international assistanceFull report: Lebanon in mourningBeirut families search for loved ones feared trapped under rubbleCrisis upon crisis: blast rocks a Lebanon already on its kneesAmmonium nitrate: what is the chemical blamed for blast?Tell us: how have you been affected by the explosion in Beirut? 1.44pm BST More 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. 1.32pm BST 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.Statement on Beirut:https://t.co/wzt5QUeuJM @dfat @RedCrossLebanon @WFP @SafirAustralia pic.twitter.com/34yIfFevgD Continue reading…

EU gathers emergency workers and equipment from member states as Lebanon PM Hassan Diab appeals for international assistance

• Full report: Lebanon in mourning
• Beirut families search for loved ones feared trapped under rubble
• Crisis upon crisis: blast rocks a Lebanon already on its knees
• Ammonium nitrate: what is the chemical blamed for blast?
• Tell us: how have you been affected by the explosion in Beirut?

1.44pm BST

More 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.

1.32pm BST

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.

Statement on Beirut:https://t.co/wzt5QUeuJM @dfat @RedCrossLebanon @WFP @SafirAustralia pic.twitter.com/34yIfFevgD

Continue reading…