to telecommunications is fully restored since 2006. In 2005 a telephone exchange was installed in the village offering connectivity to Lebanon's telephone network. Mobile communications and internet connectivity were also fully restored. During the occupation, potable water in the village was provided by water wells drilled in the village by Israel but that supply was severed with the withdrawal in 2000. The main water source is the collection of rain water which is stored in both private and public reservoirs. Government and social services There are five schools operating in Aitaroun: two public and three private. Public schools, elementary and intermediate, encompass 250 students, with a higher percentage of girls especially for the intermediate level. The total number of students in the private schools amount to 570 distributed among one elementary school and two intermediate schools. The village has one health center operated by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The municipal council in the village was established in 1961. Flora The area is rich in wild herbs, flowers and mushrooms. Particularly prevalent are the red poppy flower, wild capers and thistles. Other flora that are believed to be more agricultural or introduced, include; grape vines, pomegranate trees, figs, cactus apple, sumac, various wild berries. References Bibliography External links Survey of Western Palestine, Map 4: IAA, Wikimedia commons Aaytaroun, Localiban Video of a drive through the area Photomontage of the area's scenery http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/ipec/simpoc/lebanon/ra/tobacco.pdf Populated places in the Israeli security zone 1985–2000 Populated places in Bint Jbeil District