Hundreds of rescue workers at the Tianjin port, which was rocked by heavy explosions on Aug. 12, have paid respect to the victims of the deadly blast according to Chinese Buddhist culture.

On Tuesday morning - about seven days after the blasts - firefighters, police, military personnel, medical workers and officials at the scene of the accident observed a moment of silence for the dead. According to Xinhua, cargo ships at the port honked their horns in solidarity as victims of the explosions were remembered.

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In Chinese Buddhist funeral tradition, the first 7 days after a person's death are regarded as very important. Prayers are usually offered as part of the mourning for the deceased every seven days for 49 days. This is the first official morning ceremony for the victims of the deadly Tinajin blast.

The death toll from the port explosions has since been revised to 114. By Tuesday, only 57 people remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, more than 80 of the victims have been identified and nearly 700 people remain hospitalized for injuries they sustained in the accident.

Despite the high rate of industrial accidents in China, the Tianjin port explosions has left the country grief stricken as fears mount over the spread of toxic chemicals to residential areas around the port. Authorities have taken several steps to contain the dangerous chemicals including neutralizing the chemicals and building a wall to prevent the flow of contaminated water.

Officials say up to 3,000 tons of dangerous chemicals were stored in the warehouse which exploded. Experts have highlighted that the owners of the warehouse - Ruihai International Logistics Co. Ltd - may had violated Chinese laws by storing the toxic chemicals close to residential quarters. China Central Television (CCTV) has reported that the president and vice president of the company have been detained. At the moment, it is unclear if they will be officially charged. Tianjin authorities have vowed to thoroughly investigate into the cause of the blast.

About 6,000 people have been displaced by the blasts at the port. Some residents have called for compensation from the government. Meanwhile, experts say insurers could be forced to pay up to 2 billion yuan to cover the cost of about 10,000 new vehicles, which were destroyed in the explosion.

Premier Li Keqiang paid respect to the victims of the accident while visiting the Tianjin port over the weekend. He described the firefighters as "heroes" and urged them to be cautious in dangerous situations.

Tagstianjin blast, tianjin port explosion, tianjin port explosion, Ruihai International Logistics Co. Ltd, China Mourns Victims of Tianjin Port Explosions