Cyprus rescue teams are already in Beirut awaiting the green light to begin their operations to locate missing persons following the catastrophic blast in Lebanon`s capital on Tuesday which killed at least 130 people and injured thousands.

Cyprus sent yesterday two Police helicopters to assist in the search and rescue efforts for survivors .The teams of the Special Disaster Unit (EMAK) and the Emergency Response Unit consist of the pilots, two sergeants and eight trained dogs.

Police Spokesperson Christos Andreou told the CNA that the five members of the Emergency Response Unit were tested for COVID-19 and were also briefed by the Lebanese authorities on the situation on the ground. He said that they are waiting for directions to begin their operations.

The EMAK unit will most probably operate on Friday , Fire Department Spokesperson Andreas Kettis told the CNA.
He said that the head of the unit visited the area of the blast and assessed the situation. He added that all the rescue units that are in Beirut right now have been briefed by the Lebanese authorities on the situation and the emergencies and were given orders as to where they should operate.

Kettis described the situation as devastating and said that the Fire Department stands ready to send more help if needed. The Cyprus Civil Defence also expressed readiness to assist.