Yesterday, a powerful explosion occurred in the Beirut port area, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 3,700. The number of deaths and injuries is constantly growing, as people remain under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, but Lebanese President Michel Aoun told media that 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored in a warehouse in the port. Earlier it was announced that the warehouses of confiscated explosives had exploded.

The blast wave was so powerful that buildings a few kilometers away from the site were affected.

The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ambassador’s residence in Beirut were also damaged. One diplomat was injured, but not seriously.

Answering questions from the CNA, Serge Bou Samra, an embassy duty officer, said that the explosions damaged the Embassy building and the Ambassador’s residence, adding that the extent of the damage has not yet been assessed.

When asked if anyone had been injured, he said the Chargé d’affaires a.i. was injured, but not seriously. She is now in hospital.

The Cypriot Government encourages all Cypriots in Lebanon to contact the MFA Crisis Centre at 99660129 or the Embassy in Lebanon at + 9613572139 for immediate assistance in case of emergency.