At least 500 buildings at risk of collapse in Tripoli, according to Rifi

Tripoli (North Lebanon) Sunni MP Ashraf Rifi stated that at least 500 buildings are at risk of collapse in the northern capital and called on the government to make this issue a top priority.

"More than 500 buildings are exposing their residents to the risk of death under the rubble at any moment," the lawmaker said, urging the government to "list this issue as an urgent item on the Cabinet agenda and to develop radical and swift solutions that go beyond empty promises."

Rifi also praised "the initiative of the mufti of Tripoli and the North, Mohammad Imam, who has called for an emergency meeting this evening of all concerned parties for this purpose."

Tripoli bakery roof collapses, no injuries reported

Tripoli bakery roof collapses, no injuries reported

"Tripoli can no longer bear further tragedies, and protecting the lives of Lebanese people must be a priority that is neither negotiable nor can be postponed," the MP added in a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

On Jan. 9, the Ministry of Education announced the temporary closure of the 'al-Ahd al-Jadid' public school in Tripoli after two adjacent buildings collapsed a few days earlier.