Rising Sea Levels Cause Alarming Rate of Building Collapses in Alexandria
A study reveals that Alexandria, Cleopatra’s birthplace, is facing a dramatic increase in building collapses linked to rising sea levels and coastal erosion, growing from approximately one collapse annually to forty. The research highlights the urgency of addressing the vulnerabilities of the city’s ancient infrastructure. As climate change accelerates these issues globally, proposals for sustainable ecological defenses are being emphasized to safeguard both modern and historic structures.
Recent research has shown that the historic Egyptian city of Alexandria, known as the birthplace of Cleopatra, is experiencing a significant rise in building collapses attributed to coastal erosion and rising sea levels of the Mediterranean Sea. The annual average of building failures in this port city has surged from one to an alarming forty over the last decade, primarily due to increased seawater infiltration beneath building foundations, as detailed in a study by the University of Southern California.
Founded over two millennia ago by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is among the oldest cities globally and has a population of approximately six million people. The city’s rich history is at risk, with rising sea levels threatening its archaeological and historical significance. Ancient infrastructures, which have withstood events like earthquakes, are now under unprecedented pressure from climate change-induced rising seas and severe storms, undermining centuries of architectural efforts, according to study lead author Sara Fouad.
Research conducted included a comprehensive analysis of shoreline changes in Alexandria using digital mapping techniques. Data spanning twenty years from 2001 to 2021 were collected through government reports, private sector statements, and historical archives. By combining satellite imagery and historical maps, the researchers observed significant shifts in Alexandria’s coastline, with seawater levels rising and impacting infrastructure at alarming rates.
Additionally, the impact of groundwater intrusion was assessed through soil isotopes, revealing that many buildings are failing due to erosion of foundations by seawater. Researcher Ibrahim H. Saleh noted that rising sea levels, even minor increases, can have catastrophic consequences for structural integrity.
The study identified approximately 7,000 aging buildings at risk of collapse. Notably, incidents such as the recent fall of a building in the Wardiyan neighborhood, which resulted in fatalities, underscore the urgency of the situation. Experts point to groundwater encroachment as a potential contributing factor to these collapses, as indicated by Fouad from the Technical University of Munich.
To mitigate these risks, researchers have proposed establishing sand dunes and vegetation barriers along the coastline to protect against seawater intrusion. Steffen Nijhuis, a co-author of the study, emphasized the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of this approach for densely populated coastal cities worldwide. Alexandria’s vulnerabilities are not unique; they reflect a growing pattern of threats faced by Mediterranean cities and similar coastal regions globally.
As climate change continues to impact environmental factors, the findings challenge the notion that immediate action is only necessary in the event of significant sea-level increases. Study author Essam Heggy commented on the insufficient recognition of the changing coastlines and the associated risks of building collapses taking place at unprecedented rates across various global locations, particularly in the Mediterranean.
The research highlights a critical environmental crisis in Alexandria, where rising sea levels and coastal erosion are triggering a notable increase in building collapses. With over 7,000 structures at risk, the urgency for sustainable solutions such as natural barriers is paramount. This situation exemplifies a broader issue facing coastal cities worldwide, necessitating immediate attention and action to protect infrastructure and historical heritage alike.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
