Heavy Storm Hit Lebanon to Retrieve by Monday Noon

A heavy storm unseen for more than a decade lashed Lebanon over the weekend, killing a citizen, injuring several, and causing serious damage in the different Lebanese regions. Rain and hail thrashed across the country on Saturday and Sunday, while snow covered Lebanese lands starting from 800 meters above sea-level.

Along with the rain and snow that Lebanon was in dire need for following a hot dry summer, the beginning of this winter season brought along major damage throughout the country, destroying property and crops as well as turning roads into swamps.

Lebanon' seaside roads and ports were closed on Sunday morning. Moreover, high waves damaged agricultural plastic houses in some towns along the coast.
The high winds also damaged electrical cables, causing power cuts in several towns throughout the country.

President Michel Suleiman has urged the ministers and concerned officials to stay alert and directed the authorities to remain well-prepared for any emergency and to assist the citizens wherever necessary, said a statement from the presidential palace.

In addition, Hizbullah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in his televised speech on Sunday pledged to assist relief efforts and promised aid for personal and property damage. The storm is set to start retrieving by Monday noon, with some sunny spells on Monday afternoon, while it is expected to start again by the end of this week.