This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion rocked the port area of Beirut, Lebanon, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has sent a message of condolence to President Michel Aoun and the people of Lebanon, expressing his sympathy and wishing them God's comfort as they come to terms with the devastating blast.
According to reports, at least 78 people have been killed and over 4,000 injured in the blast, which was caused by the explosion of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that had been stored unsafely in a warehouse for six years.
President Aoun has scheduled an urgent cabinet meeting for Wednesday and has announced a two-week state of emergency, while Lebanon will observe an official period of mourning for three days from Wednesday.
As rescue workers continue to search through the rubble, the death toll is expected to rise, and officials have promised to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
President Kenyatta's message of condolence is a testament to the strong ties between Kenya and Lebanon, and the two countries' shared commitment to supporting each other in times of need.
As the people of Lebanon struggle to come to terms with the devastating blast, the international community is rallying around them, offering support and condolences.
