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# Beirut rocked by explosion as pagers used by Hezbollah explode ## Casualties and damage soar as powerful blast tears through city ### Search and rescue operations underway as authorities struggle to contain the crisis Beirut, Lebanon – Thousands of people have been injured and dozens killed in a massive explosion that ripped through the Lebanese capital on Tuesday. The blast, which occurred in the port area of the city, is believed to have been caused by a large quantity of ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a warehouse. The explosion sent shockwaves across the city, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. Search and rescue operations are currently underway as authorities struggle to contain the crisis. The explosion is one of the most powerful ever recorded in Lebanon. It caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the port, which is a major economic hub for the country. The blast also caused a large number of casualties, with thousands of people injured and dozens killed. The Lebanese government has declared a state of emergency and has called for international assistance. The United Nations has also dispatched a team of experts to help with the response. The explosion is a major setback for Lebanon, which is already grappling with a severe economic crisis. The country is also facing a political crisis, with the government facing widespread protests. The explosion is likely to further destabilize the country and make it even more difficult to address the challenges it faces. **Here are some of the key details about the explosion:** * The explosion occurred in the port area of Beirut on Tuesday. * The blast is believed to have been caused by a large quantity of ammonium nitrate that had been stored in a warehouse. * The explosion caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. * Thousands of people have been injured and dozens killed. * The Lebanese government has declared a state of emergency and has called for international assistance. * The United Nations has also dispatched a team of experts to help with the response. **The explosion is a major setback for Lebanon, which is already grappling with a severe economic crisis and a political crisis.**