Initial aid on its way to Beirut

Beirut (dpa) – Aid is on its way from Germany for the victims of the devastating explosion in Beirut. The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) has deployed initial operatives: on behalf of the German government, a Rapid Deployment Unit Recovery Abroad (SEEBA) team and an embassy support team set off for Lebanon on Wednesday evening, as the organisation announced on Thursday. «On site, our operatives will investigate and assess the situation, locate and rescue those buried, evaluate damage to buildings and support the embassy», said THW Vice President Sabine Lackner.

According to official figures, at least 135 people died in Beirut on Tuesday, and around 5,000 more were injured. Further missing persons are thought to be buried under the rubble. It is estimated that as many as 250,000 people have lost their homes.

© deutschland.de / dpa