Hassan Diab appeals for international assistance as search continues for missing in devastated city
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There are differing reports about the scale of the impact across Beirut. Some reports, based on statements from Beirut governor Marwan Abboud, suggest hundreds have lost their homes, while MTV news has reported as 250,000 people have been left homeless. It is not clear if these higher estimates refer to people whose homes have been damaged by the impact of the explosion. This post has been updated to reflect this lack of clarity.
Rescue workers are continuing to search through rubble at the port, according to civil defence director general Raymond Khattar, who said it is believed that people remain trapped.
There is concern that the damaged structures are unstable and at risk of collapsing, MTV news reported. So far, six bodies have been recovered from inside the port and three from the sea. Many more remain missing.
