LBCI

Blood-red Beirut River: Cause yet unknown

Breaking Headlines

15-02-2012 | 14:44

Share

Share

Blood-red Beirut River: Cause yet unknown

2^min

Dozens of reports have come in regarding the mysterious red coloring of the Beirut River on Wednesday.

The cause is not yet clear and the blood-like appearance of the water has many Beirutis concerned.

Research confirms that this is not the only case of a blood-red river in the past. Late last year the Jian River in China turned an eerie shade of red after an illegal dye manufacturer dumped chemicals into the water supply. Several workshops and slaughterhouses exist along the length of the Beirut River, all likely culprits.

Larger bodies of water, and even coastal areas, have been known to turn a reddish hue due to over-population of certain bacteria or algae whose byproducts or, in the case of algae blooms, the microorganisms themselves discolor the water.

Environmental minister, Nazem el-Khoury led a specialized team of scientists to investigate the event and test the water to discover the nature and source of the red contaminant.

A few years ago, a test was conducted on the Antelias River to chart the course of the water. Dyes were used in the process to more easily follow the water flow from source to sea. Given investigations are ongoing, it is unlikely this type of test is currently under way on the Beirut River.

As social media platforms begin to digest this information, many have suggested the possibility of this event being an act of protest to raise awareness for the dumping that occurs in the Beirut River. As of yet, no individuals or groups have stepped forward.

The case of the Beirut river remains a mystery but a logical explanation cannot be far away.

Photo credit: Roy Massad

Breaking Headlines

Beirut

River:

Cause

unknown

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Israel pounds Gaza City suburbs, vows to press on with offensive

Israel-Gaza War Updates

2025-08-24

Israel pounds Gaza City suburbs, vows to press on with offensive

New Zealand considering recognition of Palestinian state: Foreign minister

Israel-Gaza War Updates

2025-08-11

New Zealand considering recognition of Palestinian state: Foreign minister

Tensions rise among Lebanese Druze amid ongoing clashes in Sweida

News Bulletin Reports

2025-07-16

Tensions rise among Lebanese Druze amid ongoing clashes in Sweida

Cabinet appoints key figures to CDR and Ogero leadership

2025-05-29

Cabinet appoints key figures to CDR and Ogero leadership

Videos

Unprecedented step: Lebanon funds kidney transplants for all qualified patients

2025-08-29

Unprecedented step: Lebanon funds kidney transplants for all qualified patients

US envoy Barrack clarifies ‘animalistic’ comment, says media ‘just doing their job’

2025-08-28

US envoy Barrack clarifies ‘animalistic’ comment, says media ‘just doing their job’

US congressional delegation in Beirut discusses disarmament of Hezbollah, LAF support, Israeli perspective

2025-08-26

US congressional delegation in Beirut discusses disarmament of Hezbollah, LAF support, Israeli perspective

40 years of LBCI: A look back at its milestones

News Bulletin Reports

2025-08-23

40 years of LBCI: A look back at its milestones

President Aoun: Hezbollah's weapons are an internal matter, US proposal is now a Lebanese paper

2025-08-17

President Aoun: Hezbollah's weapons are an internal matter, US proposal is now a Lebanese paper

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

2025-07-15

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Large fire engulfs archaeological site in Tyre

1

Large fire engulfs archaeological site in Tyre

Target of latest Gaza strike was Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida, Israeli Army Radio reports

2

Target of latest Gaza strike was Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida, Israeli Army Radio reports

Lebanese army dismantles Israeli surveillance device in Yaroun

3

Lebanese army dismantles Israeli surveillance device in Yaroun

Lebanon’s deputy PM distances himself from reported comment on US envoy’s 'paper'

4

Lebanon’s deputy PM distances himself from reported comment on US envoy’s 'paper'

Hezbollah mourns Yemeni leaders killed in strike, condemns attack

5

Hezbollah mourns Yemeni leaders killed in strike, condemns attack

Lebanon weighs internal dialogue vs. external pressure: Army weapons plan faces delays

6

Lebanon weighs internal dialogue vs. external pressure: Army weapons plan faces delays

PM Salam tells LBCI: Lebanon remains committed to US paper’s objectives, will await Speaker Berri on dialogue proposal

7

PM Salam tells LBCI: Lebanon remains committed to US paper’s objectives, will await Speaker Berri on dialogue proposal

Head of Yemen's Houthi government, some ministers killed in Israeli strike

8

Head of Yemen's Houthi government, some ministers killed in Israeli strike

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More