Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reads the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reads the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reads the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II reads the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament. AFP

Beirut explosion: Queen Elizabeth II offers condolences to Lebanon blast victims


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Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II shared her deepest sympathies on Wednesday with the victims of two devastating explosions in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

The death toll from the enormous blasts, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has risen to at least 135 and more than 100 people are still missing. Some 4,000 others have been injured by the explosions and 300,000 people are now homeless.

The British monarch said she was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened by news of the explosion at the port in Beirut yesterday,” the Queen said via the official Royal Family Twitter page.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives, and all those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.”

Nearly half of Beirut was damaged from the largest explosion, which Lebanon’s government has initially blamed on 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in an unsecured warehouse in the city port.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab has said he will determine within five days the exact cause of the explosions and “who was responsible”.

Countries around the world have voiced their support and pledged to send aid to help repair damage estimated at between $3 billion and $5bn (Dh11bn-Dh18.4bn).

The British government is in discussions about sending aid to Lebanon.

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The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

THE BIO

Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old

Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai

Favourite Book: The Alchemist

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Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna

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