In brief
Fifteen individuals have tragically lost their lives following the collapse of two residential buildings in Tripoli, Lebanon. This disaster, described as a 'humanitarian catastrophe' by government officials, underscores ongoing issues of neglect and inadequate maintenance of old structures in the city. While eight survivors were rescued, city officials fear that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble. Local authorities are calling for emergency assessments of buildings across Lebanon to prevent future tragedies.
The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, state media reported.
Eight people were rescued alive, Civil Defence director general Imad Khreiss confirmed.
The two adjoining buildings were home to 22 residents, but local municipal authorities are worried that some may still be unaccounted for.
Social media footage captured the moment of destruction, showing one side of the buildings giving way before they fell almost simultaneously.
This incident marks the fifth building collapse in Tripoli this winter, raising serious alarms regarding the condition of old and poorly maintained structures in Lebanon's most impoverished city.
Witnesses described a thick cloud of dust enveloping the street, while large crowds gathered around the crater left by the fallen buildings.
Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh expressed grave concerns over the long-term neglect faced by the city, stating, 'Thousands of our people in Tripoli are threatened due to years of neglect.' He has since submitted his resignation, calling Tripoli a 'disaster-stricken' area.
President Joseph Aoun remarked that he was 'monitoring developments' and urged the mobilization of rescue workers nationwide. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam labeled the collapse a 'humanitarian catastrophe' and assured readiness to assist displaced residents.
The collapse occurred after residents of a nearby building had previously been evacuated due to structural issues, further highlighting the dangers of neglected buildings in the city. Many blocks in Lebanon were constructed without permits during the civil war, placing thousands at risk, particularly during the winter months.
Authorities emphasize the need for urgent measures to assess and address the conditions of vulnerable buildings across Lebanon to prevent further tragedies.
