Severe snowstorms isolate Lebanese villages

A powerful storm considered the worst and most severe of recent years to hit Lebanon has led to snowfall for the first time in some districts and a remarkable drop in temperature. The unusual weather conditions have forced authorities to close a number of mountain roads, isolating some villages. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Civil Defence and the army have been working to assist citizens. Head of Lebanese Civil Defence General Raymond Khattar told Arabstoday that all measures were being taken to provide protection to citizens and to ensure that roads remain open, in order to avoid entire villages remaining cut off. “The snow should not hold back or cause injury to anyone in Lebanon, as all necessary measures have been taken. The Civil Defence is coordinating with security and military forces who are professionally handling the emergency.” General Khattar said. Snow fell for the first time on the Akkar district, cutting off some mountain roads and trapping vehicles. The Batroun district,  on the other hand,  has seen heavy rain and a remarkable drop in temperature on its coast. Floods brought  debris to the roads which have turned into swamps, putting residents driving in the area at risk. The snow also forced the closure of the Tannourine-Laqlouq route and roads leading to central Kesrouan, causing a traffic jam as most cars were not equipped with snow chains. The snowstorms resulted in a power blackout in a number of villages and towns in the Matn district.