Investigators probing the deadly blast that ripped across Beirut are focusing on possible negligence in the storage of tons of a highly explosive fertilizer in a waterfront warehouse.

International aid flights began to arrive in Lebanon on Wednesday as authorities struggled to deal with the widespread damage and shocking aftermath of Tuesday's blast.

The Health Ministry said at least 135 people were killed and about 5,000 injured, but there are fears the toll will rise as many remain missing.

Public anger has mounted against the ruling elite that is being blamed for the chronic mismanagement and carelessness that led to the disaster.

The question is how 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive chemical used in fertilizers, came to be stored at the facility for six years, and why nothing was done about it.

With a probe underway, the government has ordered the house arrest of several port officials.

Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said the blast has left nearly 300,000 homeless with losses estimated to be between 10 billion to 15 billion dollars.

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