Deadly tower collapse has locals in Lebanon’s Tripoli asking: Are we next?
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent deadly tower collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon, has left at least 15 people dead and hundreds more displaced, sparking widespread fear among residents. The incident occurred in a city grappling with severe infrastructure issues, including aging buildings, unregulated construction practices, and the lingering effects of a 2023 earthquake that weakened many structures. Heavy rainfall this winter has further exacerbated the situation, leading to multiple collapses and leaving locals questioning their safety.
Tripoli, once a thriving trade hub, now faces significant economic disparities. While the city is home to wealthy residents and influential figures like former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, over 45% of its population lives in poverty. Many low-income families are forced to reside in deteriorating buildings that lack proper maintenance. Engineers have pointed out that concrete structures typically last 50-80 years, but many in Tripoli’s central district are nearing the end of their lifespan due to corrosion and water damage.
Fayssal al-Baccar, an engineer and founder of the Tripoli Emergency Fund, explains that acidic levels in concrete worsen over time, causing steel reinforcement to degrade and ultimately leading to structural failure. The 2023 earthquake further destabilized many buildings, particularly those with unregulated additions that compromised their stability. Al-Baccar emphasizes the urgent need for intervention, as ongoing neglect and environmental factors continue to jeopardize public safety.
This crisis highlights broader challenges faced by Lebanon’s urban centers, where years of economic decline and political instability have left infrastructure in disrepair. Tripoli’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for other regions grappling with similar issues, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address aging buildings and environmental risks. The collapse not only
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026