Lebanon: Israeli occupation bombings increase seismic activity risks

Beirut, Sept 16 (KUNA) -- Lebanon warned today that the massive explosions carried out by the Israeli occupation in southern areas could increase the risk of seismic activity. Lebanese Environment Minister Tamara Jomaa al-Zein said in a statement that the large underground explosions conducted by the occupation could, under certain geological conditions, particularly when occurring near existing faults, trigger or reactivate these faults, thereby heightening the risk of seismic activity. She explained that “the bombing of the town of Majdal Zoun in the south, using approximately 80 tons of explosives, generated ground waves similar to those produced by a 3.1-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, according to data from the National Center of Geophysics, as well as a direct impact that split the town in half.” She added that “the explosion near the Castle of Shqif, which overturned the earth’s surface, using approximately 700 tons of explosives, generated ground waves similar to those produced by a 3.8-magnitude earthquake, with residents feeling the tremors tens of kilometers away. Likewise, the explosion at the Ali al-Tahir hill, using approximately 1,100 tons of explosives, generated ground waves similar to those produced by a 4.2-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale.” She noted that these attacks coincide with various forms of genocide committed by the Israeli occupation, including environmental genocide, emphasizing that “these explosions go beyond direct military impact, reshaping geography and causing damage that may extend to infrastructure and homes across a wide geographical area.” She clarified that she had presented these data and risks to the Council of Ministers, which tasked her with preparing a detailed report on the repercussions of these explosions, to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants for presentation to the UN Security Council and other relevant international bodies. (End) A.Y.B. / T.M.A.