The president said on her social media account: "My heart is with the loved ones and the doctors, nurses, emergency crews and others tending to the still unfolding tragedy in Lebanon."

My heart is with the loved ones and the doctors, nurses, emergency crews and others tending to the still unfolding tragedy in #Lebanon.

— Kersti Kaljulaid (@KerstiKaljulaid) August 4, 2020

The prime minister said he was: "Devastated about the terrible tragedy in Beirut. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Lebanese people. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones."

Devastated about the terrible tragedy in #Beirut. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Lebanese people. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.

— Jüri Ratas (@ratasjuri) August 4, 2020

Meanwhile the foreign minister tweeted that: The explosions in Beirut … are truly heartbreaking. Sincere condolences to everyone affected and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured."

The explosions in #Beirut #Lebanon are truly heartbreaking. Sincere condolences to everyone affected and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured #BeirutBlast

— Urmas Reinsalu (@UrmasReinsalu) August 4, 2020

The blast happened in the Lebanese capital's port district a little after 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday, causing widespread and devastating damage to buildings, homes and other facilities. At the time of writing the death toll stands at 78. The thousands of injuries threaten to overload the city's hospitals.

The source is believed to be a large ammonium nitrate store, which had ignited. The country has declared a two-week state of emergency.

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