Residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs fear the potential collapse of buildings damaged by Israeli strikes during last year’s war against Hezbollah. Passing by these structures has become a dangerous risk, posing a serious threat to public safety, especially in densely populated areas.
Gripped by anxiety
“We are certainly afraid, especially after buildings collapsed or were demolished. It has spread panic among residents, who worry that the structures might fall on our heads,” a resident of Ain al-Dalba in Burj al-Barajneh told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The resident, who has lived in the same building for over three decades, describes it as extremely old. While it was not directly hit, no engineers have inspected its structural integrity, leaving the resident and his family in constant fear.
“Several buildings near us were targeted, and on the day Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated, the entire area shook,” he said. “Most of the buildings here don’t meet safety standards, unlike the newer constructions.”
Are homes still livable?
As soon as the war ended and residents returned to their homes in the southern suburbs, known as Dahieh, one question echoed throughout the damaged neighborhoods: Are our homes even safe to live in?
Many believe that most buildings have suffered some level of damage, particularly older, unregulated structures in impoverished areas like Burj al-Barajneh and Hay al-Sellom, making them unfit for habitation.
“No measures have been taken to cordon off unstable buildings or mark them with warning signs, like a yellow notice. This only heightens our fears,” one resident said.
Concerns over structural safety predate the latest war, residents say. The area has endured repeated conflicts, from the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) to the 2006 war with Israel, and in recent months, it has come under heavy bombardment.
Dahieh was among the hardest-hit areas during the war, which ended on November 27, with airstrikes leaving widespread devastation.
‘At least we’re back’
In the San Therese area, Lama Haidar looks out from her balcony at the wreckage of nearby buildings - a daily reminder of the destruction.
“My home in Sfeir was completely destroyed. Just days ago, I moved here, but I have no idea about the structural safety of the surrounding buildings. Given the extent of the damage, I doubt they can be repaired, and they could collapse at any moment,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Despite the uncertainty, Haidar says she is not afraid - at least, not yet.
“I think fear will only set in if a building actually collapses next to me. For now, I’m living where I need to be,” she remarked.
For many residents of Dahieh, returning home - whether to their original houses or other accommodations in the same area - was a priority after being forcibly displaced.
“Even while we were displaced, we longed to return to the place where we were born and raised, despite the devastation and risks,” Haidar said.
“Now, we can’t complain about crumbling buildings, slow reconstruction, or the hardships we face. All we want is for the war not to return and for us never to be displaced again,” she stressed.
