Alexandria, Egypt, faces a crisis as rising seas have caused the collapse of hundreds of buildings, revealing how climate change threatens its architectural heritage. A recent study indicates a tenfold increase in collapses over two decades, urging preventative measures to mitigate further erosion and damage.
The historic port city of Alexandria, Egypt, is facing a crisis as rising sea levels have led to the collapse of numerous buildings. Sara Fouad from the Technical University of Munich remarked on the deterioration of structures that once withstood natural disasters. She noted, “But now, rising seas and intensifying storms — fueled by climate change — are undoing in decades what took millennia of human ingenuity to create.”
A recent study led by Fouad highlights a tenfold increase in building collapses in Alexandria over the past twenty years. Researchers utilized satellite imagery and older maps to analyze the gradual retreat of the shoreline and its impact on local groundwater. By mapping collapsed buildings and examining soil conditions, they identified the effects of rising water tables weakening foundations.
Published in Earth’s Future, the study emphasizes that these collapses occur from the base upwards, as the water table rises and undermines structural integrity. With over 7,000 buildings reported at risk, the authors advocate for immediate action, including the construction of sand dunes and vegetation along the coastline to mitigate further seawater encroachment.
Since 2001, Alexandria has experienced a significant loss with 290 buildings collapsing. Essam Heggy from the University of Southern California stated, “The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm.” He further elaborated that the threats posed by climate change are no longer tentative, but rather an imminent reality.
Alexandria, Egypt, is grappling with the dual threats of rising sea levels and climate change, resulting in unprecedented building collapses in the historic city. With crucial infrastructure at risk and a significant increase in structural failures documented, experts are calling for proactive measures to safeguard the city’s architectural heritage. The research findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate-related challenges facing coastal communities globally.
Original Source: e360.yale.edu
