New Stamp Issued by LibanPost in Honor of Elie Saab

Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
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New Stamp Issued by LibanPost in Honor of Elie Saab

Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri honoring renowned Lebanese international designer Elie Saab in Beirut.

In the latest LibanPost series of honorary stamps, a special stamp was issued in honor of Lebanese international fashion designer Elie Saab, under the name of “Elie Saab - Le Timbre.”

The launching event was held at Beit Beirut in Sodeco area, in the presence of a number of Lebanese dignitaries, including Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and was inaugurated by Mazen Hayek (Spokesman for MBC Media Group), who underlined Saab’s journey and achievements at the local and international levels.

The walls of Beit Beirut were covered with giant photos of Saab’s designs of wedding and celebrity dresses, worn by prominent international figures, especially those of famous Hollywood stars on the red carpet at the Oscars and other international festivals.

Following a ceremony, during which Hariri awarded Saab an honorary shield, the curtain was lifted on the postage stamp bearing an image of Elie Saab, which he had chosen himself.

Hariri delivered a speech in which he underlined that Lebanon was proud of the renowned designer, describing him as an example to the Lebanese youth.

Khalil Daoud, General Manager of LibanPost, emphasized the talent, passion, vision, continuous work, boldness, ambition and determination of Saab since he was 18 years old. He said the international designer’s journey was marked by endless success and that Beirut and Lebanon were always in his heart.

Saab expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and appreciation, considering the event as a tribute to all Lebanese creators in Lebanon and the world, who reflect the positive image of the country.



Drought Has Dried Major Amazon River Tributary to Lowest Level in over 122 Years

 A part of the Negro River is dry at the port in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, amid severe drought. (AP)
A part of the Negro River is dry at the port in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, amid severe drought. (AP)
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Drought Has Dried Major Amazon River Tributary to Lowest Level in over 122 Years

 A part of the Negro River is dry at the port in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, amid severe drought. (AP)
A part of the Negro River is dry at the port in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, amid severe drought. (AP)

One of the Amazon River's main tributaries has dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, Brazil's geological service said Friday, reflecting a severe drought that has devastated the Amazon rainforest and other parts of the country.

The level of the Negro River at the port of Manaus was at 12.66 meters on Friday, as compared with a normal level of about 21 meters. It is the lowest since measurements started 122 years ago.

The previous record low level was recorded last year, but toward the end of October.

The Negro River's water level might drop even more in coming weeks based on forecasts for low rainfall in upstream regions, according to the geological service's predictions.

Andre Martinelli, the agency's hydrology manager in Manaus, was quoted as saying the river was expected to continue receding until the end of the month.

Water levels in Brazil's Amazon always rise and fall with its rainy and dry seasons, but the dry portion of this year has been much worse than usual.

All of the major rivers in the Amazon basin are at critical levels, including the Madeira River, the Amazon River's longest tributary.

The Negro River drains about 10% of the Amazon basin and is the world's sixth-largest by water volume. Manaus, the biggest city in the rainforest, is where the Negro joins the Amazon River.

For locals, the drought has made basic daily activities impossible. Gracita Barbosa, 28, works as a cashier on a floating shop on the Negro River.

She's out of work because boats that once stopped there can no longer navigate the river due to the low water levels.

Barbosa can no longer bathe in the river and now has to travel longer distances to collect drinking water.