Rescue operation called off as no more victims under rubble

Rescue operation at the collapsed building in Beirut’s Ashrafieh is now over Lebanese Interior Minister Marwan Charbel stated on Tuesday that the rescue operation at the collapsed building in Beirut’s Ashrafieh is now over. In total 27 people were killed and twelve people injured , but that all residents have now been accounted for and none remain missing, and the committee that was established by the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati Monday has 15 days to investigate the cause of the collapse.
"This morning, we called off the rescue operation and rescue vehicles have been pulled out,” Charbel said.
He added that the deaths included 11 Lebanese and 16 foreigners.
The building collapsed at about 5 p.m. Sunday in the Fassouh neighborhood of Ashrafieh in Beirut.
Charbel said that no more people were believed to be missing under the rubble.
Lebanon’s Justice Minister Chakib Kortbawi stated on Monday that Judge Raja Abi Nader has been tasked with inspecting buildings adjacent to one that was leveled for safety reasons.
Whereas, Lebanese Red Cross officials announced that 27 bodies have been recovered and 12 injured who were transferred to Beirut hospitals, pointing out that one of them was given first aids on site, as his injury did not require his transfer to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament from Al-Kataeb Party, Sami Gemayel urged the government to call for a national day of morning Tuesday and to provide decent housing for those who survived the collapse. “It is necessary that the Interior Ministry forms a committee to examine old buildings across Lebanon and take needed measures,” he said
Gemayel paid respects to the victims’ families and called for passing a rent draft law that would allow building owners to charge tenants enough rent to renovate their buildings.