Insta
Massive Fire Destroys Large Parts Of Notre Dame, Paris’ Most Iconic Cathedral
Fire engulfing Notre Dame cathedral (Pic Via Twitter)
A massive fire ravaged the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday (15 April) evening,destroying the monument’s spire. The cathedral is regarded as one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.
Several images and video posted on social media showed flames and smoke pouring from a spire of the 850-year-old Gothic cathedral.
According to preliminary reports, Church authorities believe that the cause of the fire is likely related to the restoration work on the cathedral that was in progress.
Paris fire officials announced that they have managed to save cathedral’s two main rectangular towers but much of the monument’s roof has been gutted along with the iconic spire.
The cathedral attracts some 13 million visitors a year. It was established during the 12th century and its structure was badly damaged during the French Revolution. It underwent major restoration in the mid-1800s.
Only last week, $6.8 million renovation project on the cathedral spire had commenced as the monument had fallen in to state of disrepair.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the fire at Notre Dame as the “emotion of an entire nation.”
Macron, after cancelling a planned speech, travelled to the scene of the fire accompanied by his Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
“Like all our compatriots, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burn,” Macron wrote on Twitter.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolence.
“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” he wrote. “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”
The Vatican also expressed its shock at the massive fire.
“The Holy See has learned with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, symbol of Christianity, in France and in the world,” the Vatican said in a statement.
“We express our closeness to the French Catholic and to the people of Paris. We pray for the fire fighters and for all those who are doing everything possible to face this dramatic situation”, the statement added.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
