Fire Ravages Notre Dame Cathedral

A massive fire has ravaged the medieval cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, one of the most well-known landmarks in France.

Two-thirds of the roof and the 850-year-old Gothic spire of the UNESCO world heritage cathedral have collapsed, but the main structure and two famous bell towers have been saved.

The fire broke out on Monday evening around 6.30 pm. Some 400 firefighters attempted to contain the blaze and salvage precious artworks inside the cathedral. The fire was largely extinguished by 3 am Tuesday morning.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident a “terrible tragedy,” and many Parisians are horrified by the event.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but it could be linked to restoration work underway at the cathedral.

Georgian officials expressed their sadness towards the tragic incident. “Shocked and saddened by the scope of devastation from Notre Dame’s catastrophic fire. Our thoughts remain with Paris and France during this difficult time,” tweeted the Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtdaze.

President of Georgia and former French Ambassador Salome Zurabishvili tweeted “I am paying close attention to the horrible fire happening at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Georgia stands with the people of France during this time.

By Amy Jones

Photo source - The Telegraph