Building collapse in Cairo: at least 8 fatalities

On Tuesday, December 10, an apartment building collapsed in Egypt's capital, Cairo, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, according to authorities. The Health Ministry reported that three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The six-story building, constructed in the 1960s, is located in Cairo's western district of Waili. In response to the incident, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber ordered the evacuation of nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and prosecutors are expected to investigate the incident.

Building collapses are a frequent occurrence in Egypt, often attributed to poor construction practices and inadequate maintenance. Vulnerable areas such as shantytowns, underprivileged urban neighborhoods, and rural regions are particularly affected. In recent years, the government has stepped up efforts to combat illegal construction after a prolonged period of lax enforcement. Initiatives include the development of new cities and neighborhoods to relocate residents from high-risk areas. However, despite these efforts, many urban areas in Egypt continue to feature unlicensed buildings and informal settlements that do not comply with building codes or safety regulations.