1:53PM IL: According to combined sources, 27 people have already been transported to Haifa hospitals. It appears most if not all are light condition, suffering smoke inhalation.

Haifa’s airport is closed, with the exception of emergencies.

22 ambulances are involved in the evacuation of the Filman Geriatric Hospital due to power outage. Many patients there on life support and the transport under such conditions presents a formidable challenge to MDA personnel.

Haaretz reported a bit earlier that tens of thousands of residents of Haifa have already been evacuated.

The IDF confirms that two Homefront Command battalions, all reservists, are being activated and sent to Haifa.

The photo above is from the Romeima area of Haifa.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: Media Resource Group)