Paris cathedral fire: Precious artwork evacuated, both towers safe

Smoke billows as flames burn through the roof of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on April 15, 2019, in the French capital Paris

Paris: Precious artwork held within the Notre Dame Cathedral is being evacuated, as firefighters battle to save the iconic 13th Century structure in Paris, according to Jean-Claude Gallet, the Commander General of the Paris Fire Brigade.

A deadly blaze engulfed the historic cathedral in Paris on Monday evening, taking down the structure's famous spire, much to the horror of onlookers and world community alike.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Laurent Nunez, the French Secretary to the Interior Minister said that both of the cathedral's towers are safe as the "fire is now weaker."

"The fire is now weaker. We are now in a time of cooling but both towers of the cathedral are safe. We're still working to save the cathedral's work of arts," CNN quoted Nunez as saying.

Gallet had earlier highlighted that the North Tower was under the risk of collapse, adding that the next "hour and a half" was crucial.

"We need to win this battle and block the spreading of the flames. The most efficient action is from the inside. We are not sure if we will be able to stop the spreading of the flames to the North Tower...We are evacuating the most precious artwork that is being sheltered" he added.

Speaking on the origin of the fire, Gallet revealed that the initial call to emergency services notified authorities of a fire in the attic of the cathedral on Monday evening. The cause of the fire, however, still remains unknown.

The blaze has shaken the Catholic community all around the world. The cathedral is considered as the "beating heart" of French Catholicism, along with being viewed as a religious symbol by the community which is currently observing the Holy Week.

"The Holy See has learned with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, symbol of Christianity, in France and in the world. We express our closeness to the French Catholic and to the people of Paris. We pray for the firefighters and for all those who are doing everything possible to face this dramatic situation," the Vatican said in response to the blaze.

The cathedral houses a few of the most coveted relics in Christianity, including the Holy Crown, which many believe to be from the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus. Catholics have prayed to the crown at the Notre Dame Cathedral for more than 16 centuries now, as per the cathedral.

As rescue efforts continue well into Monday night, mourners have gathered outside the cathedral, singing hymns and praying while kneeling.

Speaking to reporters near the cathedral, French President Emmanuel Macron said that an international fundraising campaign to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral would be launched on Tuesday.

"I'm telling you all tonight -- we will rebuild this cathedral together. This is probably part of the French destiny. And we will do it in the next years. Starting tomorrow, a national donation scheme will be started that will extend beyond our borders," he said.

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