The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port on Tuesday evening (August 4) that has so far killed at least 100 people and injured around 4000, with an unknown number feared trapped under rubble, was caused by over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate kept in storage, as per the statement released by government of Lebanon.
In Cyprus, an island lying west of Lebanon, residents reported two large bangs in quick succession. Videos confirmed that the Beirut blast was seen from the coast of Cyprus and was heard as far as inland capital Nicosia.
The cricketing world paid tribute to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences poured in.
“Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon,” tweeted Team India captain Virat Kohli.
Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal was also shocked and was heartbroken to see the devastating scenes in Lebanon. He prayed to God for the quick recovery of the country from this disaster.
“It’s Tragic, devastating and heartbreaking horrific scenes from #Beirut. Praying for #LebanonExplosion May Allah Almighty, help them to overcome from such a tough & difficult tragic time. May Allah have mercy upon them Ameen #BeirutBlast,” wrote Akmal.
The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Hasan Ali, Ian Bishop, Dimuth Karunaratne and Sikandar Raza among many others cricketers expressed grief and prayed for the injured people to recover soon.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Heartbreaking and shocking. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon.🙏🇱🇧
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 5, 2020
Devastating and heartbreaking visuals from #Beirut. Can’t even fathom what the locals would have witnessed and gone through. I pray for those who lost their lives and for the injured. 2020 has really brought us to our knees. Our world needs healing 🙏🏻
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 4, 2020
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) August 5, 2020
My gawd😱😱😥😥😥 https://t.co/JW4cPcEwAr
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) August 4, 2020
OMG 😮 https://t.co/nrG3Iy2cec
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 4, 2020
Horrific and tragic scenes from #Beirut
Lives lost, 100s injured and 1000s missing.
My thoughts and prayers are with #Lebanon today.
Almighty we seek your mercy #BeirutBlast #YaAllahReham pic.twitter.com/o10l9L4fhU— Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) August 4, 2020
Really scary videos and footage of the explosions coming in from #Beirut #Lebanon , thoughts and prayers with those affected 🙏🏻
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) August 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/dizzy259/status/1290693001027768320
It’s Tragic, devastating and heartbreaking horrific scenes from #Beirut. Praying for #LebanonExplosion May Allah Almighty, help them to overcome from such a tough & difficult tragic time. May Allah have mercy upon them Ameen #BeirutBlast pic.twitter.com/t2mJrJCw0Z
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) August 4, 2020
Ohhhh myyyyyy lord… 😱😢😢 https://t.co/bkg9V5hJ1D
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) August 4, 2020
#Pray for Beirut, Lebanon right now. Pray for those injured. Pray for those worried about their families.
Pray 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻#Beirut #BeirutBlast #prayforbeirut pic.twitter.com/K4hcJJ2KxD
— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) August 5, 2020
Holy hell.. crazy as hell..#beirut #whatshappening #disaster https://t.co/ep6Lj5E0Lp
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) August 4, 2020
This is terrifying #BeirutBlast https://t.co/yElOA3cgae
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 5, 2020