In a tragic incident in Beirut’s southern suburb of Choueifat, a building collapse on Monday night resulted in the death of four individuals and injuries to three others, with ongoing searches for additional survivors trapped beneath the debris, according to a paramedic spokesperson.
The collapse, which occurred after several days of intense rainfall, involved a four-story structure previously flagged for evacuation by local authorities two years prior due to concerns about its unstable foundation.
Despite the evacuation order, the building’s apartments were leased to Syrian families, making most of the residents Syrian nationals, as stated by Raja Zreik from the Islamic Health Society, which was involved in the rescue efforts.
The casualties included two women, a man, and a child, as reported by the National News Agency and confirmed by Zreik, who also noted that two women and a boy were rescued from the rubble and taken to a hospital.
A Lebanese Red Cross representative indicated to Al-Jadeed TV that there might still be 17 people trapped under the debris.
Lebanon is known to host approximately 805,000 Syrian refugees registered with the United Nations (UN), though the actual number is believed to be significantly higher, ranging between 1.5 and 2 million.
The displacement crisis in southern Lebanon worsens as the number of displaced people surges due to the Israeli bombardment implementing a scorched-earth policy.
According to the National News Agency, the crisis is escalating with the increase in displaced individuals as the Israeli forces continue their scorched-earth tactics, targeting civilians, and inhabited homes, and threatening residents, ambulances, and journalists.
The Lebanese agency noted that several bordering villages have become almost deserted, with the attacks causing significant damage to properties, crops, and infrastructure, especially to the electricity and water networks.
