Chaotic scenes emerged from Beirut after it was rocked by the explosion on Wednesday (NZT). Images of collapsed buildings, debris-strewn streets, wounded people and overflowing hospitals were broadcast to the world.
The explosion killed at least 135 people and wounded about 5000, and a two-week state of emergency has been declared.
The blast was caused by 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate detonating at the city’s port. The highly explosive chemical, which is used in fertiliser, had been stored at the port since it was confiscated from a ship in 2013.