The Lebanese Real Estate Authority issued a statement warning of the "risk of collapse of buildings threatened with falling, numbering at least 16,000 in Lebanon, not including the buildings damaged by the Beirut port explosion or the others in Tripoli that were affected by the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, as well as buildings that were damaged or destroyed again due to the war in the southern regions." The authority stated that "the areas with the highest percentage of problematic buildings are in the Beirut Governorate and the northern region, particularly Tripoli. This is in addition to several factors previously mentioned by the authority, such as climate change affecting concrete and building strength, aging buildings lacking regular maintenance due to old rental laws, buildings classified as heritage properties, and unauthorized modifications that have not been technically addressed following the years of bloody wars. It was noted that Lebanon's location on the seismic map is a contributing factor."
The authority reported that "the hidden danger is that the internal displacement of citizens fleeing unsafe and dangerous areas due to aggression has led them to other areas that are supposed to be safe. This is compounded by the presence of Syrian refugees, most of whom have settled in densely populated areas with closely built structures, creating a significant risk since many of these buildings are potential time bombs that become more hazardous without any restoration, reinforcement, or even proper inspection of the property, in addition to the sonic booms from enemy aircraft that increase the risk and contribute to cracks, fissures, and the collapse of parts of buildings, balconies, and ceilings."
The statement continued: "We demand and insist on the necessity of a serious survey from municipalities that are still lagging in providing definitive and serious numbers regarding the buildings threatened with collapse. This will reduce the danger and allow for a proper assessment of buildings, categorizing them from most to least dangerous and determining their restoration or reinforcement feasibility."
The authority expressed regret over the chaos, economic and living disturbances, legal discrepancies, and the absence of oversight to protect citizens and their right to basic living standards. It concluded: "Citizens should monitor the condition of their buildings, especially for cracks and fissures, and avoid staying under dilapidated and bulging ceilings due to the swelling of concrete paper. They should open windows to relieve pressure from sonic booms and protect themselves under the principle that every citizen is their own guardian. They should consult experienced engineers and experts to safeguard themselves from the risks they face, as past experiences have shown the failure of the state and its institutions in protecting its citizens and their lives, or even the absence of prompt initiatives to address any imminent dangers."
