Residents of Tripoli, Lebanon, fear further tragedies after a deadly tower collapse raises concerns about building safety.

In the backdrop of rising structural failures in Tripoli, Lebanon, the community grapples with a mounting crisis of deteriorating buildings and inadequate governmental response. While Tripoli was once a flourishing trade hub, the city now faces the stark realities of poverty and neglect, making the plight of its residents increasingly urgent as they confront the risks of further collapses. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of how historical neglect continues to impact the lives of ordinary citizens, sparking calls for accountability and action from both local authorities and the broader community.

Tripoli, Lebanon – Recent building collapses in Tripoli highlight a growing crisis in Lebanon’s second-largest city, where structural failures have become alarmingly common. Following a tragic collapse on February 8 that claimed at least 15 lives, community members like Hossam Hazrouni express fear for their safety, pointing out the deteriorating conditions of their homes. Hazrouni, aged 65, reported that broken interior pillars and water damage have rendered his building vulnerable. “They told us that you should evacuate and you shouldn’t stay, but how are we supposed to leave when we are in a bad situation?” he implored.

Tripoli has recently witnessed multiple building collapses this winter, marking the fourth incident of its kind. The combination of ageing infrastructure, unregulated construction practices, and the ongoing ramifications of Lebanon’s 2019 economic crisis, exacerbated by the 2023 earthquake and heavy rainfall, has rendered many of the city’s buildings precarious. Approximately 45% of its population lives in poverty, while wealth disparities remain stark, with some billionaires residing alongside those in desperate need.

Local engineer Fayssal al-Baccar, who has established the Tripoli Emergency Fund, noted the critical issues afflicting the city’s old structures. He explained that the concrete used in buildings typically has a lifespan of 50 to 80 years, and many in Tripoli are nearing this threshold. Furthermore, the pH levels in concrete deteriorate over time, leading to corrosion and ultimately collapse. Al-Baccar highlighted the recent earthquake’s impact, which damaged many older buildings, further heightening the risk of structural failures.

Amidst these challenges, activists like Sarah al-Charif from the Tripoli Emergency Fund are mobilizing to address the crisis. “The fact that the problem is so big reflects decades of accumulated neglect,” she stated, emphasizing the necessity for robust government engagement and responsible action from landlords and builders alike.

Despite recent attention from various political figures, residents remain skeptical. Wissam Kafrouni, 70, pointed out the lack of effective remediation efforts despite promises from officials. A new municipal government, elected in 2025, acknowledges the ongoing issues but faces the monumental task of addressing years of oversight.

Authorities are currently inspecting the city’s buildings, issuing evacuation warnings for 114 vulnerable structures. Support measures are being introduced, including a one-year shelter allowance for displaced families and assistance from local religious institutions and international partners like Turkiye, which has pledged to provide prefabricated homes.

As locals express frustration with unfulfilled promises, the urgency for a sustainable solution grows. The community is keenly aware that while recent tragedies highlight immediate dangers, the broader challenge lies in ensuring the safety and dignity of all Tripoli’s residents.

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