Islanders have paused in quiet reflection to remember the lives lost in the two terrible tragedies of the past few days.

The minute's silence was observed at 11am.

Ministers and members of the island's government gathered outside the offices on Broad Street.

Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore (pictured centre) spoke afterwards of the importance of the act of unity.

"It really is important for the whole island to think about the families and everyone who has been affected by the tragic events of the past few days.  That is what we have to do - come together as a community.  We are a strong community."

Today is a moment is to reflect, and to think of all those who are continuing in the Search and Recovery operation  They are all hard at work, the conditions aren't great, so our thought also have to be with them."

Police officers paid their respects outside Headquarters on La Route du Fort.

Five people are known to have died in a blast at Haut du Mont flats on Pier Road on Saturday morning.  Four more are unaccounted for.

Rescuers do not expect to find survivors.  A 'painstaking' search of the debris for bodies is expected to last several weeks.

Operations halted briefly at 11am as workers bowed their heads and joined in the silence.

The blast was the second disaster to hit the island is as many days.

The community is also mourning the loss of three fishermen.

Skipper Michael Michieli and his crew Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat are missing, presumed dead.  Their trawler collided with a freight ship on Thursday morning (8 December).

A Just Giving appeal set up to raise money for the crewmen's families in the Philippines as reached almost £70k.

Flags are flying at half-mast.

A book of condolence will open at parish and public halls across Jersey on Wednesday (14 December)

Flowers and tributes can be left on steps of Ordnance Yard to the side of the Jersey Museum.

Several routes surrounding the blast site remain sealed off.

A vigil will be held at the Town Church on Wednesday at 6pm, led by The Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle.

The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person.