The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, as reported by state media.
Eight individuals were successfully rescued, according to Civil Defence Director General Imad Khreiss, who noted that the two adjoining buildings housed 22 residents. Local municipal authorities have warned that more people could still be trapped in the wreckage.
Video footage from social media captured the dramatic event, showing one side of the buildings giving way at the lower floors before both structures fell almost simultaneously, enveloping the street in dust and debris.
This incident marks the fifth building collapse in Tripoli within the winter months, drawing critical attention to the state of old and poorly maintained buildings in Lebanon's economically struggling city.
Large crowds gathered around the site where the buildings once stood, with Tripoli's mayor, Abdel Hamid Karimeh, lamenting the long-term neglect of infrastructure in the city and expressing concern for the safety of thousands of residents. He announced his resignation, labeling the area as 'disaster-stricken.'
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the calamity, with the latter describing the incident as a 'humanitarian catastrophe' and the result of years of accumulated neglect. Both leaders emphasized a commitment to supporting affected residents and mobilizing rescue efforts.
This collapse follows a series of evacuation warnings for nearby buildings due to structural concerns, showcasing the prevalence of unsafe living conditions across Tripoli. The regulatory oversights, compounded by Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis, have left many residential blocks vulnerable, with reports indicating that over 100 buildings currently require assessment for potential evacuation.
In response, the national syndicate for property owners condemned the government's negligence, urging immediate inspections to ensure residents' safety and housing security.
