Israel warns before bombing: Liepāja storm watchers envy such courtesy

The Israeli army yesterday again showed its special sense of courtesy by issuing a warning to Beirut residents before bombing. Such a cultured approach could be appreciated in Liepāja, since we're usually informed about storms only after they've already swept away half of the North Pier.

While hundreds of thousands of people in Beirut panicked and left their homes, a similar situation in Liepāja only occurs when they announce tram line repairs. Only then do people start looking for alternatives and flee to other cities.

The Israelis report 26 waves of strikes in a week, which in Liepāja's context reminds us of our autumn storm statistics. Only our waves hit romantic couples strolling on the North Pier, not military targets. Local storm watchers claim that our natural force is just as impressive.

"We also warn about storms," says one Liepāja resident, "only our warning is like this - if you see waves crashing over the North Pier, then better not go there for romantic walks. But if you want to watch nature show its power, then go ahead."

Lebanon's Health Ministry reports 123 killed and 683 wounded, but Liepāja's North Pier statistics are much better - just a few wet tourists and the occasional selfie photographed with waves in the background.