Notre Dame Cathedral to be rebuilt in 5 years: Macron

PARIS

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said he has instructed authorities to rebuild the world-famous French cathedral, Notre Dame, in the next five years.

Notre Dame was severely damaged by a major fire on Monday before being extinguished with eight-and-a-half hours' efforts of roughly 500 French firemen.

Macron, in his address to the nation, said the burning of the symbolic cathedral was shocking both for French people and the world.

"The fire at Notre Dame reminds us that our history never ends and there will always be challenges we need to overcome," he said.

"We are going to build the cathedral of Notre Dame more beautiful than ever. But this must be done within five years," he added.

The inferno engulfed the popular landmark, destroying the iconic spire and the roof, and causing heavy damage to the interior of the structure.

Firefighters were able to put out the blaze and prevent the whole structure from being destroyed. French authorities have ruled out arson and any terror-related motives as the cause of the fire.

So far, about €688 million ($766 million) has been donated to rebuild the cathedral.

*Writing Ali Murat Alhas