Torrential rains in the past few days caused flooding in several parts of the Bekaa, transforming streets into rivers and leaving residents stranded in their homes. The government deployed earth-moving equipment Thursday to redirect waters that had trapped residents in their homes.

Farmers in the upper Chouf villages say that high winds and hail this year have smashed both trees and fruits, cherry crops destroyed.

Changes in climate are widely suspected as an impact of global warming. The persistence of cloudy skies and rainfall in May may be part of a broad, long-term alteration of the country's weather patterns. The unpredictable weather has frustrated beachgoers, pedestrians, and farmers.

"We never saw such ugly weather since 1948," said Nidal Zeineddine, a longtime cherry farmer in the Chouf. "Our whole season is now at real risk."

Tons of fish also perished when Al-Assi flooded leaving behind heavy damages to farms, parks and nearby cafes.

However, the weather is expected to improve on the weekend, according to weather forecasters.

Source: Naharnet