The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to 15, according to state media reports.
Eight people were rescued alive by civil defense teams, as the two adjoining buildings were reported to contain 22 residents at the time of the incident. However, local authorities warned that other individuals could still be unaccounted for.
Social media footage captured the catastrophic moment when the buildings collapsed, showing one side initially giving way at the lower floors before both structures fell nearly simultaneously.
This incident marks the fifth building collapse in Tripoli this winter, raising concerns about dilapidated buildings in Lebanon's poorest city.
The footage depicted a thick cloud of dust engulfing the area following the collapse, as large crowds gathered at the site of the disaster.
Tripoli's mayor, Abdel Hamid Karimeh, expressed deep concern over years of neglect faced by the city, asserting that thousands of lives are at risk due to the deteriorating condition of buildings. He has since submitted his resignation, labeling Tripoli as 'disaster-stricken.'
President Joseph Aoun is monitoring the situation closely, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam characterized the collapse as a 'humanitarian catastrophe' and affirmed the government's readiness to assist affected residents.
This recent collapse follows previous evacuations from another building amid structural concerns, and highlights ongoing issues within Lebanon regarding the safety and regulation of aging residential buildings.
Authorities have called for a nationwide assessment of buildings at risk of collapse due to years of inadequate oversight and enforcement of building regulations.
