Tower Collapse in Lebanons Tripoli Raises Concerns for Future Safety

Tripoli Building Collapse Claims at Least 15 Lives

A building collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest city, has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people. The incident occurred on February 8 and is part of a growing trend of collapsed buildings in the city.

According to local residents, many buildings in central Tripoli are in poor condition due to decades of underinvestment. Hossam Hazrouni, a 65-year-old resident, pointed out that his own building’s foundation is exposed and covered in water. The rubble from the collapsed building lies nearby, with concrete blocks and twisted metal scattered about.

This is not an isolated incident; four buildings have collapsed in Tripoli this winter alone. Hundreds of buildings are at risk of collapse due to a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, unregulated construction, Lebanon’s 2019 economic crisis, and the 2023 earthquake that damaged much of the local infrastructure.

Locals are concerned about their own homes being next. Fayssal al-Baccar, an engineer and founder of the Tripoli Emergency Fund, explained that many buildings in central Tripoli have a lifespan of between 50 to 80 years. He noted that the pH level of concrete can become acidic over time, leading to corrosion and collapse.

The area has also suffered from neglect and a lack of infrastructure for years, exacerbated by the 2019 economic crisis and the 2023 earthquake. Heavy rainfall this year has further contributed to the problem, with water infiltrating into buildings and making steel worse.

The Tripoli Emergency Fund is working to address the issue, recruiting successful individuals to help fill governmental gaps. The organization’s spokesperson, Sarah al-Charif, is also involved in fundraising efforts for the city.

According to a 2024 World Bank report, approximately 45% of Tripoli’s population lives in poverty, while multiple billionaires reside in the city. Many middle-class residents have moved to the southern edge of the city, leaving behind impoverished classes to inhabit the decaying old city.

Source: Al Jazeera