Two die from asphyxia in Faraya chalet, snow cover from 700m

Lebanon is still under the influence of the storm that is expected to last until Sunday. Heavy snow fell from altitudes as low as 700 meters stranding a number of villages and hindering citizens’ every-day lives. The bad weather also damaged crops and caused a number of accidents.

Dahr el Baidar road was blocked due to a 4 centimeter layer of ice. 

The ISF blocked the road leading towards Faraya as of Achkout roundabout due to heavy snow. LBCI reported that two people died in a chalet located in Faraya due to asphyxia.

According to the forecasts of the Lebanese Aviation Authority, meteorological services, it will be cloudy on Sunday with scattered rain in the morning on the coast and light snow at 700 meters altitude. The authority added that the weather will gradually start showing signs of improvement as of Sunday noon.

Heavy snow fell on a number of villages such as Al Arkoub, Shebaa, Kfarchouba and Kafarhamam. In Shebaa, snow fell forming a layer of 35 centimeters and in Kfarchouba a 12 centimeters layer was formed. The Shebaa-Hasbaya road and Shebaa-Kfarchouba road were blocked; snow plowing machines of the Public Works Ministry were working on reopening the roads. 

Heavy rains have elevated water levels along the Hasbani River. Its water flooded gardens on both banks causing damages to irrigation canals. Heavy rains caused also floods in agricultural fields in Wadi Khansa, Al Mari and Ain Arab, damaging crops. High winds ripped plastic greenhouse tents.

In Akkar, the storm caused great damages on the coast, in the sea and in the mountains. In Tal Andi and Tal Hmayra, Eucalyptus trees, which form an environmental passageway, were destroyed, blocking the international road that was reopened later on thanks to residents’ efforts.

In the village of Bibnin Al Abda, a number of boats were destroyed, while others sank into the big blue. Fishermen’s nets were torn and others were lost at sea. Brushlands in the Hermel were blocked by heavy snow, while schools closed down to the delight of students who enjoyed their snow day.