A massive forest fire, which broke out early Monday morning in the Lebanese Chouf village of Meshref, has left the country"s lush mountains in flames. The wildfire has been described as the "worst to hit Lebanon in decades”.
The rate at which the fire spread, reaching a nearby university and elementary school, prompted Lebanese authorities to call for Cypriot help to extinguish the flames. Cyprus answered the call around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, sending two aircrafts to help.
According to the Lebanese Red Cross, more than 100 people were injured, 18 of whom were taken to medical facilities. Part of the population was also evacuated for security reasons.