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Search Continues for Missing in Beirut Blast

VOA News

   Rescuers continued to search Thursday for the missing following
   Tuesday's massive blast at Beirut's port, while visiting French
   President Emmanuel Macron warned the country would continue to weaken
   without serious reforms.

   The Health Ministry said the number of dead has risen to 137, along
   with more than 5,000 people injured in the explosion. Officials expect
   the death toll will rise.

   Macron in Beirut

   Macron'¯visited'¯Beirut Thursday to'¯meet'¯with political
   leaders.'¯France, the former colonial power in Lebanon,'¯is'¯sending
   emergency doctors and several tons of medical equipment.

   Macron's visit came amid mounting anger against Lebanon's various
   political groups that have ruled the country since the end of the
   15-year civil war in 1990. Long-serving politicians are widely viewed
   as corrupt and incapable of providing even the most basic services such
   as electricity.

   As Macron toured one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods, a crowd of angry
   people chanted "revolution" and "The people want to bring down the
   regime."

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