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

Blood-red Beirut River: Cause yet unknown

Breaking Headlines

Beirut

River:

Cause

unknown

Lebanon’s PM calls for unified efforts after Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Lebanon’s PM calls for unified efforts after Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Pope Leo XIV slams millions facing hunger worldwide as 'collective failure'

Pope Leo XIV slams millions facing hunger worldwide as 'collective failure'

EU says US deal shields Europe pharma from new tariffs

EU says US deal shields Europe pharma from new tariffs

Rabih Khalife tells LBCI: Lebanon is facing water scarcity, this year is exceptional

Rabih Khalife tells LBCI: Lebanon is facing water scarcity, this year is exceptional

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

One-hour window: How Israel says it tracked and killed Hezbollah’s No. 2 in Beirut’s southern suburbs

One-hour window: How Israel says it tracked and killed Hezbollah’s No. 2 in Beirut’s southern suburbs

Lebanese Health Ministry reports five dead, 28 injured in Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Lebanese Health Ministry reports five dead, 28 injured in Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Israeli army claims Beirut southern suburbs assassination operation was ‘successful’

Israeli army claims Beirut southern suburbs assassination operation was ‘successful’

Lebanon’s PM calls for unified efforts after Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Lebanon’s PM calls for unified efforts after Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Israeli military announces killing of top Hezbollah military figure

Israeli military announces killing of top Hezbollah military figure

Lebanon's president condemns Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Lebanon's president condemns Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs

Rabih Khalife tells LBCI: Lebanon is facing water scarcity, this year is exceptional

Rabih Khalife tells LBCI: Lebanon is facing water scarcity, this year is exceptional

Netanyahu: Lebanon must fulfill its commitments and disarm Hezbollah

Netanyahu: Lebanon must fulfill its commitments and disarm Hezbollah