Türkiye offers 100 prefabricated homes for Lebanon's Tripoli after deadly building collapse

Türkiye has announced its readiness to establish 100 prefabricated housing units in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli to support families affected by a deadly building collapse earlier this month. The offer was made during a meeting at the governorate headquarters attended by Türkiye's Ambassador to Lebanon Murat Lütem, Acting Governor Iman Al-Rafai, Tripoli Mayor Abdul Hamid Karimeh, and Union of Al-Fayhaa Municipalities President Wael Zmerly.

Disaster Response

On Feb. 8, a residential building collapse in Tripoli killed at least 14 people and injured several others. Mayor Karimeh subsequently warned that many buildings in the city face collapse risk due to neglect, describing Tripoli as effectively a "disaster zone." Ambassador Lütem stated that Türkiye aims to contribute to Lebanese government relief efforts, emphasizing: "Türkiye will continue to stand by Lebanon."

Comprehensive Support Package

Discussions focused on damaged structures, evacuation of high-risk buildings, and rapid logistical support for affected families. Lütem said the assistance will include training for civil defense and search-and-rescue teams along with equipment support. Officials from Türkiye's Foreign Ministry, AFAD, and the Turkish Red Crescent also attended. Lebanese authorities reported that 229 families have been evacuated from 21 at-risk buildings over the past week.

Beirut Talks

Lütem and his delegation later met with Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed and Higher Relief Commission Secretary-General Bassam Nabulsi. Sayed posted on X that the Turkish delegation's offer of 100 prefabricated homes represents "a significant contribution to urgent shelter needs."