‘Shocked, saddened by loss of lives in Beirut explosion’: PM Modi

The massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the city’s port, damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed shock over the explosion in Lebanon’s Beirut in which more than 70 people were killed.

Smoke is seen after an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. (GABY MAAMARY via REUTERS)

“Shocked and saddened by the large explosion in Beirut city leading to loss of life and property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Twitter on Wednesday.

The massive explosion rocked Beirut on Tuesday, flattening much of the city’s port, damaging buildings across the capital and sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky.

It was not clear what caused the blast, which struck with the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, according to Germany’s geosciences center GFZ, and was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus more than 200 kilometres across the Mediterranean.

“Emergency doctors will also reach Beirut as soon as possible to strengthen hospitals. France is already engaged,” the French President said in a tweet.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, also extended his deepest condolences to all those affected by the “massive explosion at the port of Beirut.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his country is ready to provide support in any way it can.