Greek citizen among those killed in Beirut explosions

The Embassy of Greece in Lebanon have reported that according to their sources, a Greek citizen died in the explosion that rocked Lebanon's capital, Beirut, overnight. Two other Greeks were also seriously wounded.

"According to information received so far, 1 Greek citizen among the losses & 2 seriously wounded. Embassy staff OK. Lots of damage recorded. Greek Orthodox hospital destroyed. Greece will stand by Lebanon in this difficult moment. Flag of Greece Search&Rescue team to land in Flag of Lebanon shortly," the Embassy of Greece in Lebanon tweeted.

• What happened: A massive explosion ripped through central Beirut, near the city's port. It sent up a huge mushroom cloud-shaped shockwave, flipped cars and damaged distant buildings. It was felt as far as Cyprus.
• The victims:At least 100 people were killed, and 4,000 more were wounded in the explosion, according to state media. That death toll is expected to rise as hundreds remain missing.
• The possible source: A warehouse storing thousands of tons of unsecured highly explosive material has emerged as a possible source. Lebanon's prime minister said an investigation would focus on the warehouse.

"According to father Youil (Youil Nassif) from Beirut, the entire Greek Orthodox church suffered tremendous damages except everything that is behind the iconostas which stayed untouched."

In a post on Twitter in English yesterday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his support for the Lebanese people for the tragedy in Beirut and noted that “Greece stands ready to provide any assistance needed.”

“On behalf of the Greek people, I want to express my deepest condolences to the people of Lebanon, especially to the families who have suffered losses, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. Our thoughts are with you,” the Greek Prime Minister also said.

Instructions for Greek citizens who are in Lebanon and have been affected by the explosions in the port of Beirut were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Greek citizens can contact the Embassy of Greece at 00961 78990315 and 00961 81507061, as well as the Crisis Management Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at +30210368 1730 and at e-mail:  kt@mfa.gr.