16 Oct 2019 | 03:33 AM UTC
Lebanon: One fatality reported as wildfires spread across southern Lebanon October 16
Officials confirm at least one fatality as of October 16 as wildfires spread from southern Lebanon; avoid the area
Event
Lebanese officials said that around 104 fires have broken out in southern Lebanon since Monday, October 14, facilitated by high temperatures and strong winds. Domestic and international firefighting forces are deployed nationwide to combat the fires. The most heavily impacted areas include the Chouf and Metn regions, leading residents in Chouf to evacuate on Tuesday, October 15. Heavy smoke has been reported over Sidon and Beirut. At least one volunteer firefighter has died, and a further 72 people injured. Approximately 20 land mines in off-limit areas have also reportedly exploded due to the fires.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation notices, road closures), and exercise caution when traveling near wildfires. Children and those with respiratory illness are advised to limit outdoor activity.
