Not only homeless, Beirut citizens feel "country-less"

Several days on from the devastating blast in Beirut - and the city's governor says 250,000 people may have been left homeless.

Many are simply trying to pick up the pieces and wondering about their futures.

Fashion designer Ramzi Tabiat's home was damaged in the blast which rocked the Lebanese capital, killing at least 154 people and injuring 5000.

"After I moved to Lebanon and I understood the country dynamics, I understood that I was country-less and on my own and there was no government taking care of its people, unfortunately. And now on top of that I feel homeless, yes."

Across Lebanon people have been opening their houses to those affected using social media and the hashtag OurHomesAreOpen.

Others are refusing to leave their badly damaged properties.

"I wouldn't think of leaving - in order to show those doing this to us that we don't kneel to anyone," says 65-year-old Youseff Afif

The prime minister and presidency have said 2,750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate had been stored for six years without safety measures at the port warehouse.

President Michel Aoun said on Friday an investigation would also examine whether the blast was caused by a bomb or other external interference.

But for now many are left wondering how they can rebuild their homes and lives.