Alexandria is experiencing a significant increase in building collapses, with over 280 structures failing in the past 20 years. Climate change, rising sea levels, and poor urban planning contribute to this issue, threatening more than 7,000 buildings. The study presents solutions such as nature-based engineering and improved coastal management, aiming to protect urban areas vulnerable to erosion.
The ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt, is experiencing an alarming increase in building collapses. Over the past two decades, more than 280 buildings have fallen, which is ten times the rate of previous years. A report published in the journal Earth Future indicates that over 7,000 buildings along the coastline are currently at risk, marking Alexandria as the most vulnerable area in the Mediterranean Basin.
The study attributes these collapses to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels, phenomena exacerbated by climate change and unchecked urban expansion. Essam Heggy, a researcher from the University of Southern California, asserted that Alexandria exemplifies the challenges faced by coastal cities elsewhere due to these environmental changes.
As seawater intrudes into groundwater layers, it destabilizes soil, which can lead to the deterioration of buildings’ foundations. Researchers utilized geographic and geological data to determine the conditions of the buildings, along with analyzing governmental reports and satellite imagery to assess the coastline’s development.
Sara Fouad, a visiting researcher from the Technical University of Munich, contributed to the study by highlighting a correlation between poor soil stability and the increased risk of building collapses. Particularly affected is Alexandria’s Gharb district, where an average shoreline retreat of 31 meters per year has been recorded.
The influx of saltwater due to coastal erosion impacts nearby aquifers, compromising soil quality. Issues are compounded by over-extraction of groundwater and insufficient building maintenance, as well as inadequate urban planning and infrastructure.
The study’s findings raise concerns beyond Alexandria, as cities like Tunis and Tripoli also face similar risks from rising sea levels and beach erosion. Furthermore, the collapse rates of buildings in Italy’s southern coast have risen by nine percent, indicating a broader regional crisis.
The study proposes various environmental and technical solutions, including nature-based methods such as creating “living beaches” to stabilize shorelines and designing coastal infrastructure that incorporates green infrastructure. Recommendations include developing a network of salt-tolerant plants along coastal streets to enhance water absorption and mitigate high tide impacts.
Mattheios Santamouris, a professor from the University of New South Wales, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts with local authorities to implement the proposed preventive measures. Additionally, strategies for adaptation and mitigation, such as constructing sea walls, restoring mangrove forests, and relocating communities from vulnerable coastal areas, are critical for addressing these challenges in Egypt.
The concerning rise in building collapses in Alexandria serves as a harbinger for many coastal cities facing climate change. With over 7,000 structures at risk, effective urban planning, addressing environmental issues, and implementing preventative measures are essential to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Collaboration among authorities and innovative infrastructural designs can help create sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable urban environments.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
