Following the tragic explosion in Beirut on Tuesday that took the lives of 137 people and caused devastating damage, HSH Prince Albert has sent a message of “unwavering support.” The president of Monaco’s National Council also sent his condolences on behalf of the elected assembly.

Madame Bouran Hallani, president of the Friends of Lebanon in Monaco, said that following the news she hasn’t stopped crying. “It is an enormous shock,” she told local French-language daily Monaco Matin.

The association has launched an appeal for funds, and can be contacted for more details at www.facebook.com/LesAmisDuLibanAMonaco/