Massive storm hits Lebanon

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STORY: Strong winds and heavy rain caused massive damage in several parts of Lebanon on Wednesday during a winter storm, among the fiercest to hit the region in decades.

With many roads submerged in floods, most areas in the Bekaa Valley have no electricity or phone connections and dozens of mountainous villages have been cut off due to heavy snowfall.

In Hay El Sellom area in Beirut, streets were flooded and water entered many houses. Residents complained the government had not sent any help across.

In the southern city of Sidon, waves thrashed against the coast while some roads were cracked. Snow covered the streets in Jezzine village, southern Lebanon, and cars not equipped to handle snow were stranded.

The massive storm has hit the eastern Mediterranean causing death and destruction in Middle Eastern countries that are built for harsh summers rather than snow, sleet and incessant rain.