Image from the Washington Times
Monday evening, the Notre Dame Cathedral caught on fire and sustained massive damage. Tuesday morning, fire officials said that the blaze was fully extinguished. Experts have started shoring up the remains structure to avert the risk of collapse before other experts are sent into assess the damage to artwork inside.
On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed that France would rebuild Notre Dame,
We will rebuild the cathedral and make it more beautiful. I want this to be achieved within five years. We can do it.
The blaze collapsed the spire and spread to one of the cathedral's tower. Paris Fire Chief Jean-Claude Gallet said the church's main structure had been saved. The first deputy to the mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire said, "A special mission has been launched to try to save all works of art that can be saved."
The mayor of Paris said in a tweet that many works were saved from the fire,
Thanks to @PompiersParis, the police and the municipal agents, the Crown of Thorns, the Tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place.
According to our tally, € 700,000,000 has already been pledged for the rebuilding of the cathedral. You can donate by going to Basilica of the National Shrine's website. Apple's CEO Tim Cook has tweeted that Apple will be donating to this effort, though no amount has been stated.
We are heartbroken for the French people and those around the world for whom Notre Dame is a symbol of hope. Relieved that everyone is safe. Apple will be donating to the rebuilding efforts to help restore Notre Dame’s precious heritage for future generations.□□
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 16, 2019
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