Introduction to the evening news 07-01-2013

Even in weather related issues, Lebanese history seems to repeat itself in terms of sheer negligence.                   

A look into our brief past shows that in 1983, i.e, 30 years ago, a snow storm hit Lebanon, quickly developing into a disaster and leaving several dead in its wake including the Bekaa Governor of the time, Henry Lahoud.                      

Today, 30 years later, a storm strikes again, turning the country into a scene of disaster from the sea up to its mountains.                           

Chronic negligence leaves none that be held accountable for the death of the seven-month-old Youssef al-Fadel who was washed away by heavy rain overnight in Iqlim al-Kharroub, or of citizen Joseph Antoine Sfeir, and of Syrian national Mohammad Ahmad Maaraftawi who was transferred by the Red Cross to the Chtoura Hospital after dying in his bus in Dahr el-Baydar due to the extreme cold.                               

Although the storm was expected, no appropriate measures were taken in this regard.                         

Despite the fact of its severity, the storm did not attract the attention of the Lebanese officials with the parliamentary elections taking center stage in their list of concerns.                       

Today, officials remained busy with the electoral draft laws at a time when voters were left to fend for themselves adrift vehicles that were stranded on river like roads.           

All these developments and more in our detailed news bulletin.