Lebanon evacuation: Hundreds of Australians flee as Israel bombards Beirut
Intensified bombing in Beirut has increased fears for the estimated 15,000 plus Australians still in Lebanon.
Nearly 450 Australians were evacuated from Lebanon overnight, bringing the total number of people taking advantage of the departure-assisted flights on commercial airlines to 904.
Thousands more are registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs, saying they want to leave.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says onward flights from Cyprus will arrive in Australia on Monday. If the way is clear, two more flights are due to depart Beirut on Monday.
The federal government has urged citizens and permanent residents to leave immediately before the situation worsens.
Israeli air attacks have battered Beirut’s southern suburbs over th weekend in the most intense bombardment of the Lebanese capital since Israel sharply escalated its campaign against Iran-backed group Hezbollah last month.
During Saturday night and into Sunday morning, the blasts sent booms across Beirut and sparked flashes of red and white for nearly 30 minutes visible from several kilometres away.
It was the single biggest attack of Israel’s assault on Beirut so far, witnesses and military analysts on local TV channels said.
A Smartraveller warning for Lebanon continues to advise Australians travelling to the country and for those already there to leave immediately while commercial flights remain available.
“The security situation continues to deteriorate in Lebanon,” the warning states.
“Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and other locations and Israeli military ground operations in southern Lebanon are likely to continue. Australians in Lebanon should avoid known or suspected areas of military activity.
“The conflict could continue to escalate quickly or spread to other areas in Lebanon with little notice.
“This could affect your ability to move to safety. Australians unable to secure a commercial flight or not wishing to leave should be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period.”
Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).
