A view of Beirut. (Credit: João Sousa/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Lebanon is experiencing a heat wave that began Thursday morning, prompting the Civil Defense to issue safety recommendations, particularly to prevent fires and drowning along rivers.
The country is under the influence of hot air masses from North Africa, causing a significant increase in temperatures — especially in southern Lebanon — and surpassing seasonal averages. Strong winds are "particularly" affecting this region, with gusts reaching up to 45 km/h, according to the Civil Defense Council statement. The conditions also cause rapid snowmelt, which could "lead to a rise in river levels." The Civil Defense warned farmers against burning weeds to clear land, emphasizing the fire risk.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued several safety guidelines for the public:
To prevent drowning along rivers
- Avoid riverbanks when currents are swift due to snowmelt.
- Do not swim in rivers, lakes or irrigation ponds.
- Avoid jumping from heights, especially in rocky areas.
- Supervise children and prevent them from approaching riverbanks during nature walks.
- Do not boat on lakes, and always wear a life jacket on board vessels.
Advice for landowners:
- Do not burn dry grass while clearing land, as it is highly flammable, especially in strong winds.
- Remove weeds and small branches under trees and dispose of them safely away from forests.
Forest fires are a recurring issue in Lebanon, especially during hot and dry periods. The combination of dry soil, high temperatures and strong winds makes flames spread rapidly, often overwhelming firefighting efforts due to a lack of resources.
Drownings are also frequent in Lebanon. Last summer, about 50 deaths were recorded, according to L'Orient-Le Jour, with a similar number reported in 2023. The northern beaches are also hazardous, with dangerous currents and waves. Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, intensify these risks. Additionally, most coastal municipalities lack lifeguards on all their beaches.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient Le-Jour.