The firefighting operation has taken effect, as blaze at a warehouse in China’s port city of Tianjin has burned down.

Rescuers and several excavators are standing by to contain the fire.

So far, the massive explosions that occurred on Aug 12 have claimed 44 lives, including twelve firefighters.

A total of 520 people have been hospitalized. That includes 66 who were critically injured.

The port city was rocked at night of Aug 12 by two explosions just 30 seconds apart in an industrial zone.

Plumes of smoke reached into the sky over dozens of meters high.

Authorities are expected to hold a press conference on the accident at 4:30 BJT this afternoon.