Bassam Mawlawi, Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, has issued a directive based on Cabinet Resolution No. 30.
The directive instructs all governors to conduct a survey of damaged buildings and roadways in their jurisdiction.
Governors are asked to request the assistance of the Engineers Syndicates in Beirut and Tripoli in the survey, and to work on repairing or reinforcing the damaged buildings.
If repairs are not possible, the concerned municipalities must take action.
A detailed report on all damaged buildings must be submitted to the High Relief Commission as soon as possible, with an estimate of the cost of reinforcement or restoration included.
The directive is dated 6-2-2023.
Minister Mawlawi’s directive is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and stability of communities in the wake of recent earthquakes in Turkey.
On February 6th, 2023, two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5. The earthquakes caused widespread damage in both Turkey and Syria, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and many injuries. The impact was felt across Lebanon, with shockwaves reaching as high as 5 magnitude and subsequent tremors.
On February 20th, 2023, another two earthquakes hit southern Turkey, with a magnitude of 6.4 and 5.8 just minutes apart.
Tremors have been felt across Lebanon, causing panic among Lebanese, particularly those living in old buildings.
