A Civil Defense boat, which is participating in the search for people drowned and missing at sea, in a photo taken in the Batroun area in May 2024. (Credit: Photo sent by Civil Defense/archives)
Lebanon’s Civil Defense issued a statement Saturday warning of ‘‘the risks associated with swimming and all types of water activities and sports along the Lebanese coast, from Abdeh [Akkar district, far north] to Naqoura in the south, today and tomorrow, Sunday.’’
The statement cited ‘‘very high waves and intensifying sea currents, which greatly increase the risk of potentially fatal drownings.’’
Météo-Liban, meanwhile, forecast an unusual rainy spell this weekend, beginning around midday Saturday and lasting through Sunday evening. Heavy rain and possibly hail are expected in several parts of Lebanon, along with a drop in temperatures starting Saturday evening. The weather system is being caused by a cold air mass moving in from Turkey.
Civil Defense urged the public to ‘‘refrain from swimming and all types of water activities on these two days’’ and to follow safety instructions at beaches.
