Beirut explosion: Dubai's Burj Khalifa & Egypt pyramids light up with Lebanon flag in show of solidarity

Numerous world leaders have expressed their condolences and offered support too.

Ashley Tan| August 05, 2020, 03:14 PM

A devastating explosion ripped through the coastal city of Beirut, Lebanon on the afternoon of Aug. 4.

According to the Red Cross, the death toll rose overnight to over 100, with more than 4,000 wounded.

Over 100 people remain missing, including several firefighters.

The explosion is believed to be linked to some 2,700 tonnes of confiscated ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the port for the past six years.

Lebanon's High Defence Council has since declared Beirut a disaster zone, and an investigation committee set up to determine the cause behind the incident, Al Jazeera reported.

Support and solidarity

Other countries have since come forward to show support for the city after the horrific accident.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, lit up with Lebanon's flag.

According to Khaleej Times, the tweet translates to:

"Burj Khalifa lights up in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Lebanon. Our condolences to our beloved people in Lebanon! Oh God, have mercy on those who moved to you ... Oh God, the kindest of its people ... Oh God, give the people of Lebanon patience and solace."

Lebanon's flag has also been projected on the great pyramids of Giza in a display of solidarity.

 

World leaders have come forward to express their condolences and show support for the disaster-stricken country.

French president Emmanuel Macron tweeted in both French and Arabic, saying that "France would stand beside Lebanon always". He added that French aid and resources were being sent there.

In a public address, U.S. president Donald Trump said that America was sending "its deepest sympathies" to Lebanon, and that the country has a "very good relationship with Lebanon", and the U.S. "stands ready to assist".

Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson sent his thoughts and prayers too.

So did Malaysia's foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Top photo from @BurjKhalifa / Twitter and @SalmaElkurdy / Twitter