Over 100 huge wildfires rage through Lebanon, the worst in decades
More than 103 huge fires raged through thousands of square meters of forest and several villages in Lebanon on Monday night, October 14, 2019. The affected towns and villages include Mechref, Kfar Matta, Daqoun, Zagharta, and Dibbiyeh, according to the National News Agency's (NNA) report released on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
The blaze broke out after a sudden increase in temperature, engulfing residential properties and vehicles in flames. The event prompted many people to evacuate their homes and seek safer areas.
George Kettaneh, secretary-general of the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) said the agency has rescued 49 individuals from suffocation in Na'ame, a village in southern Lebanon.
The fires also caused the explosion of 20 landmines in the Cohuf district of Mount Lebanon, according to Raymond Khattar, director-general of the Lebanese Civil Defense (Fire Department).
Khattar said these are the worst fires to hit Lebanon in decades. He added that the country has not seen a disaster of such magnitude for years.
Ya Allah, pray for Lebanon this is absolutely devastating, I hope everyone gets out safely. #prayforlebanon #lebanon #lebanonfires #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/5Z4poWKTL6
— Noor Abdallah (@noorabdallah24) October 15, 2019
Lebanon is burning.Probably the biggest fire this country has seen.
Houses have been destroyed, acres of trees have been razed..
We dont have the necessary equipment/tools to fight the raging wildfires
We need international help
Share the message & #PrayForLebanon #لبنان_يحترق pic.twitter.com/vntPTInEJP— Romy (@romyjournalist) October 15, 2019
The Lebanese Armed Forces, Civil defense workers, and firefighters have been working together to put out the blaze.
Lebanese Interior Minister Raya El Hassan said two Cypriot jets arrived on October 15 to aid firefighters in taking out the flames. Cyprus is also sending two aircraft to Lebanon to help in controlling forest fires. Two fixed-wing firefighting aircraft form the forestry department were being sent to Lebanon as well.
Lebanon's defense minister Elias Bou Saab is reportedly in Cyrpus on October 15 for a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Savvas Angelides, to address the incident.
The world is collapsing and we dont see it #PrayForLebanon #LebanonFirepic.twitter.com/WoHwQhcQb1
— Star / Exams (@ApressaTracey) October 15, 2019
Churches in Damour ring bells to warn people about the fires in the early morning pic.twitter.com/TevgKhsHqO
— Romy (@romyjournalist) October 15, 2019
Featured image credit: @ApressaTracey/Twitter
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Related articles
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.