Beirut, Lebanon – November 11, 2024
Lebanon faced severe traffic disruptions yesterday as heavy rain flooded key roads, stranding thousands of drivers in their vehicles for hours. Major highways in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and northern areas were submerged, forcing cars to halt and others to divert onto already congested side streets.
While flooding during the rainy season has become an annual occurrence, this year’s impact is worsened by Lebanon’s ongoing conflict and increased displacement, which has sharply raised the number of vehicles on the road. The influx of people and vehicles due to forced migration has led to illegal parking along main roads, further intensifying traffic jams and blocking emergency response routes.
Public Works Minister Ali Hamieh stated that crews are working urgently to clear roads and improve drainage in affected areas. “We are doing everything to restore safety and mobility,” he said. However, residents are calling for long-term solutions to Lebanon’s recurring traffic and infrastructure challenges, compounded by the growing strain on roadways each year.
