Alexandria Faces Coastal Crisis: Buildings Collapse Amid Rising Sea Levels
Alexandria, Egypt, faces a crisis as more than 280 buildings have collapsed in two decades due to climate change, with over 7,000 structures at risk from severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Experts emphasize that Alexandria’s plight serves as a warning to other global coastal cities and advocate for sustainable urban planning and nature-based solutions to mitigate future risks.
The coastal city of Alexandria, Egypt, is experiencing a concerning increase in building collapses, with more than 280 structures failing in the past two decades, a rate significantly higher than before. This situation, attributed to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels due to climate change, places over 7,000 buildings at risk in the Mediterranean Basin’s most vulnerable area. Researchers, including Essam Heggy from the University of Southern California, assert that Alexandria exemplifies the challenges faced by other coastal cities worldwide.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis using geographic, geological, and engineering data to identify at-risk buildings. They reported the impact of coastal erosion, which has led to seawater intrusion and instability in building foundations. Sara Fouad from the Technical University of Munich highlighted that poor soil stability correlates with increased collapses, emphasizing the need for preventative measures. Areas like the Gharb district have faced extreme erosion, with the shoreline retreating 31 meters yearly over the past century.
Groundwater extraction is further aggravating issues related to coastal erosion, allowing more saltwater to infiltrate aquifers. Concurrently, insufficient maintenance of older structures, poor urban planning, and inadequate sewage systems contribute to the problem. Experts argue for sustainable urban planning and a comprehensive risk management approach to alleviate these challenges.
Beyond Alexandria, other coastal cities such as Tunis and Tripoli face similar risks, with reports of structural damage due to beach erosion. The situation in Italy’s southern coast underscores a regional issue, where building collapse rates have increased by nine percent over two decades. Urbanization along Egypt’s North Coast disrupts natural sedimentation and exacerbates shoreline erosion, posing persistent challenges across the region.
Addressing these issues, the study proposes nature-based solutions, such as creating “living beaches” and green infrastructure to stabilize shorelines and protect buildings. Proposed measures include enhancing coastal defenses through techniques like rain gardens and wetland restoration. Experts endorse improved coordination with local authorities to implement these strategies effectively and call for Egypt to adopt adaptive and mitigative measures, including constructing flood barriers and relocating vulnerable communities from coastal areas.
In conclusion, Alexandria’s alarming rate of building collapses serves as a warning for coastal cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change. The study conducted reveals critical insights into the vulnerabilities caused by rising sea levels and coastal erosion, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and proactive risk management strategies. Implementing nature-based solutions and regulatory measures will be essential to protect both infrastructure and communities in these at-risk areas.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
