Queen sends message of condolence to Lebanon following devastating explosion
Queen Elizabeth has sent a message of condolence to the people of Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating factory explosion in Beirut.
The letter was sent by Buckingham Palace on behalf of Her Majesty.
She wrote: "Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened by news of the explosion at the Port in Beirut yesterday.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives, and all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected."
It is signed "Elizabeth R".
The message was posted on The Royal Family Twitter account and was shared by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their Kensington Royal account as well as Charles and Camilla on their Clarence House Twitter feed.
Destroyed buildings are visible a day after a massive explosion occurred at the port in Beirut, Lebanon. Getty
Investigators are searching the wreckage for clues as to the cause of the massive explosion.
RELATED: Beirut explosion: Fireworks, ammonium nitrate likely fueled Lebanon blast, experts say
The government has ordered port officials be placed under house arrest with claims they were warned about the dangers of storing so much ammonium nitrate in one location.
Andrew Morton says coronavirus has 'effectively' ended her reign. Getty
Fireworks and ammonium nitrate appear to have been the fuel that caused the blast, however it still isn't known what initially ignited it.
The death toll from the explosion has risen to 135 people with thousands more wounded.
International aid flights have begun to arrive as Lebanon's leaders struggle to deal with the aftermath with the country already crippled by an economic crisis. Many have lost their jobs and seen their savings evaporate because of a currency crisis. Food security is a worry, since Lebanon imports nearly all its vital goods and its main port is devastated.
Destruction is seen after a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. The explosion flattened much of a port and damaged buildings across Beirut, sending a giant mushroom cloud into the sky. In addition to those who died, more than 3,000 other people were injured, with bodies buried in the rubble, officials said. AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
Australia has committed $2 million of humanitarian support, Foreign Minister Marise Payne confirmed.
The explosion has left hospitals overwhelmed with one damaged by the blast and having to evacuate it's patients to a nearby field.
Beirut's governor said Wednesday that hundreds of thousands might not be able to return to their homes for two or three months.
French President Emmanuel Macron was travelling to Beirut on Thursday to offer support and meet with Lebanese leaders. Lebanon is a former French protectorate and the countries retain close political and economic ties.
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