Rescues in Beirut are looking for dozens to disappear after the massive explosion

Rescue workers have been searching for dozens of people still missing after the massive explosion in Beirut. At least 135 people were killed and more than 5,000 injured. The explosion was felt 150 kilometers away on the island of Cyprus. Large parts of Beirut were destroyed by the explosion and more than a quarter of a million were left homeless. They have declared a two-week state of emergency. The blast occurred at a warehouse in the city’s port. Thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate were stored there. It is used as an agricultural fertilizer and also for making explosives for mining. It is believed that the chemical was stored for several years and began to degrade. Port officials have been placed under house arrest while an investigation is underway. Britain’s medical and rescue teams are being sent to Beirut. The catastrophe has come at a difficult time for the country as it struggles in an unprecedented economic crisis in an attempt to alleviate the spread of coronavirus. Sophie Raworth has reported on BBC News Ten Quentin Somerville, science editor David Shukman, editor Jeremy Bowen and the Middle East, and Carine Torbey of Beirut. Subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog .

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