A recent powerful earthquake that struck Syria and was felt in Lebanon has alarmed the Lebanese public, reviving memories of the devastating quake that hit Syria and Türkiye on February 6, 2023.

Concerns are growing over the stability of many older buildings in Beirut and other major cities.

The Lebanese Real Estate Authority has warned that at least 16,000 buildings are at risk of collapse, not including those already damaged by the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The Authority also pointed out damage sustained by buildings in Tripoli from the 2023 quake and in the South due to the conflict with Israel.

The Authority emphasized that the most vulnerable buildings are located in Beirut, northern Lebanon, and Tripoli. These structures are at risk due to outdated construction practices, lack of maintenance, and damage from past conflicts. Lebanon's position on an active fault line further exacerbates these risks.

The Authority also expressed concern about internal displacement, with people relocating from unsafe areas to more crowded neighborhoods, where many buildings are already in poor condition.

To mitigate these risks, the Authority called for a comprehensive survey by municipalities to assess and prioritize necessary building repairs.

It criticized the current lack of effective regulation and oversight and urged citizens to inspect their buildings for cracks and avoid staying under damaged roofs. The Authority recommended professional assessments from engineers to ensure safety.

In response to the earthquake, Beirut’s municipal authorities have begun evaluating the safety of older buildings.

Dr. Bilal Hamad, a structural engineering professor, warned that most buildings constructed before 2000 could collapse in a major quake of magnitude 6.0 or higher.

He explained to *Asharq Al-Awsat* that older buildings were designed to withstand vertical loads but struggle with the lateral forces generated by an earthquake.

Dr. Hamad also emphasized the need for legislative action to facilitate the renovation of heritage buildings, suggesting that property owners should be allowed to sell portions of their property to fund repairs and make these structures more resilient.