At least six individuals have lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries following the collapse of two adjacent buildings in Tripoli, a northern city in Lebanon. Abdel Hamid Karimeh, a member of the municipal council, provided this information during a press conference held on Sunday, February 8, 2026. While the exact number of individuals potentially trapped in the debris of the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood remains uncertain, search-and-rescue operations are actively underway.
Civil defense teams, supported by the Lebanese Red Cross and various emergency relief agencies, have mobilized to execute rescue efforts. Residents of the affected neighborhood have shown remarkable solidarity, participating in the efforts to clear debris and create pathways to locate any trapped individuals. This community-driven response underscores the resilience and camaraderie prevalent among the people in the region.
Photos circulating from the scene depict rescue workers and local residents diligently searching for survivors amid the rubble. The Internal Security Forces, along with local municipal police, have taken precautionary measures by evacuating nearby residential buildings due to fears of a secondary collapse. The Lebanese army has been deployed in response to the situation, ensuring the safety of the area while facilitating emergency operations. Reports from Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency indicate that eight injured individuals have been rescued throughout the ordeal.
In light of this tragic event, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has instructed all emergency services to remain on heightened alert, ready to assist in rescue efforts and provide shelter for residents displaced by the incident. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam communicated the government’s commitment to offering housing allowances for those affected, reinforcing the administration’s focus on addressing immediate community needs.
Acknowledging the profound humanitarian implications of this disaster, Prime Minister Salam urged political figures in Tripoli and across the nation to prioritize the welfare of the victims over any potential political advantage amid this challenging situation. The region has faced multiple challenges over the years including economic hardships, infrastructural decline, and the impacts of ongoing conflicts, which have compounded vulnerabilities in the community’s living conditions.
This incident highlights significant concerns regarding infrastructure integrity in Lebanon, where years of neglect and systemic issues have led to deteriorating conditions. The urgent need for effective and modernized infrastructure solutions is paramount, as Lebanon continues to navigate the complex interplay between governance, civic responsibility, and community resilience.
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