Lebanon battling to fight deadly wildfires

Wednesday, 16 October 2019 08:59

Beirut has deployed water cannons and appealed to neighbouring states for help after wildfires swept across Lebanon, killing at least one person.

According to the local civil defence, 104 fires had broken out over the past 24 hours, and evacuation orders in place to minimise the toll.

At least 18 people have been hospitalised so far and 88 have received emergency medical care, Lebanon's Red Cross added.

The cause of the flames remains unknown, though some officials blamed it on the recent heatwave.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri said an investigation would be opened and if arson were uncovered the perpetrators would "pay a price".

More from International

Trump criticises Israel strike as US, Iran inch closer to deal, timing remains unclear

President Donald Trump criticised an Israeli strike on Lebanon that could complicate attempts to finalise a framework deal between the United States and Iran on Sunday on ending their war, but said an agreement was nonetheless close.
Israel says military attacks Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs

Israel said its military attacked Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday after the group fired into Israeli territory.
Protesters smash windows and set Tesla ablaze in anti-G7 march in Geneva

Protesters set fire to a Tesla and smashed the windows of a bank in Geneva on Sunday as they vented their anger at a Group of Seven summit about to take place just across the border in France.
Swiss voters reject population cap in referendum, avoiding EU clash

Switzerland on Sunday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters prioritised economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was stretching public services and pushing up rents.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine hit oil facility, chemical plant in Russia

Ukraine hit an oil facility overnight in Russia's Yaroslavl region, and the Azot chemical plant in the Tula region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X on Sunday.

The Music Mix
11:00pm - 6:00am

Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need
The Business Breakfast
6:00am - 10:00am

The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

On Dubai Eye

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!