Lebanon's wildfires call for an appropriate disaster risk management plan

More than 100 wildfires have spread in various regions across the country over the past 24 hours including the areas of Chouf, Akkar, and Keserwan. The fires are strictly related to unusual high October temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). This is not the first time the country faces a similar situation. However, wildfires usually break out in Lebanon in the summer and not in October, such as the large fire which spread out in the northern region of Akkar in August 2018. Observations reveal that these incidents are and will keep on increasing in frequency and in intensity due to climate change. Increased temperatures coupled with longer dry spells amplifies the susceptibility of lands to catch fires.The most intense wildfires have been spreading in the Chouf area since the early hours of Monday the 14th of October. This Lebanese region has a rich natural heritage and, according to the Chouf cedar organization, it is home to the most significant cluster of Cedar trees in the county and in the middle east. The Mechref fire is seen as a serious threat due to its proximity to the residential area, schools, and the industrial area of Nehme.As a consequence to this destructive event, the country is losing important natural assets....