Greek national among dead in Beirut explosion

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - A Greek national is among those who died in a huge explosion that devastated the port area of Lebanon's capital Beirut on Tuesday, Greek diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

At least two Greek citizens were also injured in the blast, which killed at least 100 people and wounded more than 4,000 others.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis responded to the Lebanese government’s call for assistance, and a team comprising 12 rescue workers, a dog and special equipment, was dispatched to Beirut to take part in rescue and relief operations.

Meanwhile, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people.

“We express our profound sorrow at the deadly explosions in the port of Beirut and our solidarity with the government and people of Lebanon," it said in a statement. "We also express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and our wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured.”

A fire at a warehouse containing explosives at the Port of Beirut led to the catastrophic blast, which was heard across the city and its suburbs.

Photos and footages on social media showed Beirut downtown littered with damaged vehicles and debris that fell down from the shattered facades of buildings.

More than 300,000 people have been left homeless with the damage estimated to cost over $3 billion.

Lebanon's president has promised a transparent investigation, and declared three days of mourning.