Death toll in Beirut explosion rises to 100, over 4,000 injured

The secretary-general of the Lebanese Red Cross on Wednesday said victims of Tuesday's explosion at the Port of Beirut have risen to 100 and more than 4,000 were injured.
In a televised statement aired by Lebanese broadcaster LBC, George Kettaneh said Beirut hospitals no longer have the capacity to absorb the rising number of victims.
He added that the death toll has risen to 100 and more than 4,000 have been injured, with some of them still under the debris.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun cited ammonium nitrate as the source of the explosion, which leveled a three-story building and was heard across the city and its suburbs. 

The Supreme Defense Council in Lebanon declared Beirut a disaster-stricken city, as part of decisions and recommendations to face the repercussions of the explosion.
Tuesday's explosion deepens woes of the country that has been suffering for months from a severe economic crisis and intense political polarization.

LEBANESE COMMUNIST PARTY: RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD BE REVEALED IMMEDIATELY

The Lebanese Communist Party (LCP) has released a statement about the explosions at the port of Beirut that caused massive destruction with many casualties. "We demand a transparent investigation immediately to reveal those responsible," the statement said, expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

The statement made by the LCP Political Bureau is as follows:

“The Lebanese Communist Party expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who martyred today in the Beirut in the harbor explosion, and wishes fast recovery for all the wounded. In this regard, we call upon the Lebanese people generally and the communists in particular to show solidarity with those who suffered from the explosion, provide support, and open the houses for those who need it.
We also call for blood donations in the clinics of the Red Cross, hospitals, social and aid institutions and where it is needed, and to be ready to engage in all tasks of voluntary work and social assistance that is required from all of us, taking into consideration safety procedures and wearing masks.
The Lebanese Communist Party declares Wednesday August 5th 2020 as a day of humanitarian solidarity with the harmed people and social solidarity with the compatriots, and puts all its available resources to face the consequences of the disaster that happened.
The party requests a prompt and transparent investigation to reveal the truth of what happened and to determine the people responsible for this national catastrophe.” (EVRENSEL DAILY)