Storm Loulou Causes Roads to Flood in Lebanon

By Staff, Agencies

Roads across the country flooded Thursday as storm Loulou wrought havoc with heavy rainfall and cold weather.

The flooding overnight and Thursday morning caused landslides in some areas as well as traffic on main roads.

The Traffic Management Center reported Thursday that six people died and 19 were injured in 17 road accidents within the last 24 hours.

The TMC also reported that the Zahle-Tarshish road was accessible only to those with 4WD and vehicles equipped with metal chains.

Landslides have blocked the road between Haret al-Balan and Zouk al-Kharab in Metn, according to the National News Agency. Rescue teams were dispatched, but were faced with difficulties in getting through to the area.

In Batroun, landslides also blocked the road linking the town of Ijdabra to the town of Bejdarfel.

The heavy rainfall has caused rocks and landslides to partially block the old sea road after Hamat tunnel on the way to Al-Heri, according to the NNA.

Agricultural tents in Tyre also sustained damage. In the southern city, fishing and boating activities have ben suspended due to the rise of sea levels, what caused sand and gravel to fill the city' streets.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defense warned citizens not to approach river banks over fear of likely floods.

Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue Thursday evening according to Rafic Hariri International Airport Meteorological Department.

The effects of storm Loulou, which hit Wednesday, are expected to continue until Friday evening.