Israel launched an intense barrage of airstrikes across swathes of Lebanon on Monday in what was the deadliest day for the country since at least the 2006 war fought between Israel and the powerful Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Thousands of families fled southern Lebanon for areas in the capital Beirut and Mount Lebanon on Monday, following Isareli airstrikes that have so far killed 182 people and wounded 727 others. Lines of cars filled roads linking the southern port city of Tyre with Beirut.

The Israeli army has been sending warnings to Lebanese citizens to distance themselves from areas where Hezbollah might be storing weapons, as it intensifies its airstrikes in the country.