France’s Emmanuel Macron Pledges Support during Visit to Lebanon

Human Rights Watch supported mounting calls for an international probe into the disaster.

"An independent investigation with international experts is the best guarantee that victims of the explosion will get the justice they deserve," the watchdog said.

In France, prosecutors have opened a probe into the blast over injuries suffered by 21 French citizens.

Amid the gloom and fury, the aftermath of the terrible explosion has also yielded countless uplifting examples of spontaneous solidarity.

Business owners swiftly took to social media, posting offers to repair doors, paint damaged walls or replace shattered windows for free.

Much of the cleanup has been handled by volunteers in improvised working groups who bring their own equipment and organize online appeals for help.

"We're sending people into the damaged homes of the elderly and handicapped to help them find a home for tonight," said Husam Abu Nasr, a 30-year-old volunteer.

"We don't have a state to take these steps, so we took matters into our own hands." 

(Writers & Editors: BUR-JMM/FZ, Agence France-Presse)

Source: http://u.afp.com/3Bu9