Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres has commiserated with the people and government of Lebanon over the deadly explosions that ripped through Beirut, Tuesday.
According to Mr. George Kettaneh, Head of the Lebanese Red Cross, at least 100 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded.
Kettaneh added the toll could rise further, and that the Red Cross was coordinating with the health ministry for morgues to take victims because hospitals were overwhelmed.
Officials reportedly said the two blasts originated from highly explosive materials– Ammonium Nitrate stored in a warehouse, although investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The UN chief’s reaction came in a statement by his deputy spokesman, Mr Farhan Haq.
“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the people and government of Lebanon following the horrific explosions in Beirut today.
“He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, including several United Nations personnel working in Lebanon.
“The United Nations remains committed to supporting Lebanon at this difficult time, and is actively assisting in the response to this incident,” Haq said.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Ms. Dorothy Shea, also reacted to the incident with a condolence message, in which she described the explosions as horrific.
“Having witnessed the horrific explosions at the port this evening, our heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims and their families.
“We mourn each loss from this terrible tragedy alongside the Lebanese people,” the embassy quoted her as saying in a tweet.
