RESCUERS ARE CONTINUING to search for survivors in Beirut after a cataclysmic explosion at the port sowed devastation across entire neighbourhoods, killing more than 100 people, wounding thousands and plunging Lebanon deeper into crisis.

The blast, which appeared to have been caused by a fire igniting 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsecured in a warehouse, was felt as far away as Cyprus, some 240 kilometres to the northwest.

The governor of Beirut, Marwan Abboud, described the disaster as “an apocalyptic situation” he estimated might have made 300,000 people temporarily homeless and would cost the country in excess of $3 billion.

The scale of the destruction was such that the Lebanese capital has been left resembling the scene of an earthquake: 

People evacuate wounded after the massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon Hassan Ammar Hassan Ammar

A view of the damage caused to buildings by the massive explosion in Beirut's port Marwan Naamani / dpa Marwan Naamani / dpa / dpa

A drone picture shows the scene of the explosion at the seaport of Beirut Hussein Malla / AP Hussein Malla / AP / AP

Panic and first rescue services after a blast at the Hotel Dieu hospital emergency service in Beirut Balkis Press / ABACA Balkis Press / ABACA / ABACA

A damaged hospital is seen after the explosion AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Lebanese soldiers search for survivors after the explosion AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

A man stands on a damaged apartment, as he looks at the explosion scene that hit the seaport of Beirut Hussein Malla Hussein Malla

People inspect their car that was damaged in the massive explosion AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Panic and first rescue services after the blast by the port area Balkis Press / ABACA Balkis Press / ABACA / ABACA

Destruction is seen after a massive explosion in Beirut AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Rescue services working in Beirut following the blast Balkis Press / ABACA Balkis Press / ABACA / ABACA

With reporting by © – AFP 2020