The blast in Beirut, August 5th proclaimed national mourning day in Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diabb announced that Wednesday 5 August will be a national mourning day for victims of the major explosion at the port of Beirut, the national news agency ANI reported.

The number of those killed and injured in the blast remains unclear, reports ATS.

Local television reports quoted hospital sources as saying that between 400 and 500 people were injured.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has called for an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council.