As death toll from a massive blast which ripped through Beirut port has risen to 100, neighbouring Cyprus has said it stood ready to offer medical aid to the thousands injured.
“Cyprus is ready to accept injured persons for treatment and send medical teams if required,” Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides told state broadcaster CyBC on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday’s explosion was heard throughout Cyprus, which lies about 160 kms away.
Christodoulides also said the Cypriot embassy in Beirut, which was closed at the time of the blast, was extensively damaged.
In the meantime, the head of the Lebanese Red Cross told local broadcasters on Wednesday that more victims are under the rubble.
George Kettaneh told LBCI TV by telephone that the Red Cross was coordinating with the health ministry for morgues to take victims because hospitals were overwhelmed.
Read More Large blast in Beirut port area shakes Cyprus
