A massive explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least 113 people, injuring over 4,000 with dozens still missing. According to Beirut’s governor Marwan Abboud, at least 300,000 people have been displaced from their homes by the devastating explosion.
The blast rocked the Port of Beirut at around 6:10 p.m. local time (1610 GMT), shaking buildings all over the city, and causing massive casualties and damages. The number of casualties is expected to rise.
The cause of the blast is being investigated. But Lebanon’s prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the cause of the explosion was 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse for six years. President Michel Aoun tweeted it was “unacceptable” the explosives had been stored unsafely. Aoun declared three days of mourning and called for a two-week state of emergency.
Prominent Pakistani and Turkish personalities took to social media to condemn the horrific blasts in Beirut. Here’s what they had to say:
Saba Qamar took to Twitter to express her sadness over the unfortunate incident.
My heart goes out to you Beirut! 💔
Heartiest prayers for all those who have been affected by this tragic blast. Such a beautiful country going through the worst of times! 🥺#Beirut #Lebanon— Saba Qamar (@s_qamarzaman) August 4, 2020
Feroze Khan sent his heart out to the people of Beirut and wished them a speedy recovery.
– heart goes out for the people in #Beruit I am praying for a speedy recovery. 💔
— Feroze Khan (@ferozekhaan) August 4, 2020
Engin Altan Duzyatan aka Ertugrul asked everyone to pray for Beirut.
Pray for Beirut…🙏
— Engin Altan Düzyatan (@eadksk) August 4, 2020
Esra Biglic who plays Halime Hatun in Turkish drama serial Dilris Ertugrul also sent her condolences to the people of Beirut.
Shocking. Terrifying. I’m speechless. Deepest condolences to everyone caught up with this unfurling disaster in Lebanon. 🇱🇧
— Esra Bilgiç (@esbilgic) August 4, 2020
Many other Pakistani celebrities took to Twitter to express their shock and sadness over the horrific incident.
#Beirut Ya Allah have mercy… Prayers for Lebanon. Way too tragic and heartbreaking. 🇱🇧
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) August 5, 2020
Prayers from 🇵🇰 for #Beirut 🤲🏽💔 Ya Allah Reham.
— Asim Azhar (@AsimAzharr) August 4, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for Lebanon and victims of the tragic attack today. May the Middle East know peace for once. Ameen.
— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) August 4, 2020
Beirut 🌆💔
— Shaniera Akram (@iamShaniera) August 4, 2020
The footage coming in from Beirut is truly devastating. My heart grieves for all the people suffering… 💔
Sending them lots of prayers and love #Beirut #BeirutExplosion #Lebanon— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) August 4, 2020
Shocked and horrified. Speechless. My heart is going out to all their effected in any way. Deepest condolences and prayers for #Beirut #BeirutExplosion
— Ayesha Omar (@ayesha_m_omar) August 5, 2020
The images from #BeirutBlast are horrifying ya Allah Reham Kar 🙁
— Ahsan Khan (@Ahsankhanuk) August 4, 2020
Prayers for Beirut. May Allah protect us all pic.twitter.com/dnjzn3nGCZ
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) August 4, 2020
PM Imran Khan also expressed via a tweet, how saddened he was by the incident.
Deeply pained to hear of the massive explosions in Beirut with precious lives lost & thousand injured.We stand in solidarity with our Lebanese brethren in their difficult hour, sharing their sorrow & grief. May Allah grant speedy recovery to the injured & strength to the bereaved
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 5, 2020
Our Prayers go out to the people of Beirut.