Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport intervened during the night hours to address water pooling in the Al-Rihab vicinity, following reports of rising water levels along part of the roadway.

According to National news agency – Lebanon, upon the arrival of the MoPWT’s technical teams, it was determined that the sole cause of the flooding was the blockage of rainwater drainage inlets by randomly discarded waste; a surface-level obstruction unrelated to pipes or underlying infrastructure. Consequently, the situation did not require the use of high-pressure equipment, and the intervention was limited to removing the waste and manually clearing the inlets.

Thanks to the swift response, the road was fully reopened in less than 30 minutes, allowing the water to recede and traffic flow to return immediately.

The Ministry extends its appreciation to the contractors for their prompt presence and their professional, responsible handling of the situation during nighttime hours.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport affirms that its field teams remain on full, round-the-clock readiness (24/7), deployed and prepared for immediate intervention across all regions to address any potential water accumulations during weather depressions.

The Ministry also stresses that managing rainwater pooling is a shared responsibility that requires continuous cooperation between the state, municipalities, and citizens.

In this context, the Ministry notes that the administrative area of Beirut falls under the direct responsibility of the Beirut Municipality and not under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport remains fully ready to provide support and assistance when needed. It therefore calls for enhanced monitoring and coordination, particularly in the capital, to ensure Beirut’s streets are prepared for upcoming storms and to preempt any potential water accumulation.