Child dies in Lebanon after inclement weather storms

Authorities have asked residents to stay at home wherever possible Beirut – Georges Chahine A child drowned in floods in El Kharroub after inclement weather swept the region. The minor died after rains flooded nomadic encampments on riverbanks. Heavy storms have struck regions across Lebanon, as strong winds from Russia reached the east Mediterranean coastline combining with thunderstorms, snow and heavy rains. Densely populated areas in Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre were also affected.    
The Lebanese Red Cross said that about 33 road accidents occurred on Sunday. The medical organisation was unable to rescue a citizen whose car slipped under a bridge crossing the Beirut river in Qanatir Zubaydah, officials reported.
The Beirut Fire Brigade announced rescue teams and ambulances were still working through Sunday to rescue citizens stuck in their cars.
Security forces meanwhile reported huge pools formed by heavy rainfall in neighbourhoods across Beirut, with landslides cutting off roads and isolating suburbs.
One road in eastern Beirut was completely cut off after rainwater flooded the Karantina, security officials reported. The main road connecting Beirut with southern Lebanon was also blocked by surface waters.
Security forces have closed roads between Bekaa and Beirut, calling on residents to stay at home wherever possible.
Lebanon’s mountains were also snow-covered on Sunday, with northern Lebanon witnessing snow at an altitude of 700 metres and above.