The Building Collapse Crisis: Alexandria’s Warning for Coastal Cities

Over the last two decades, Alexandria has experienced a significant increase in building collapses, attributed to climate change effects such as rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The research indicates that over 7,000 buildings in vulnerable areas are at risk, highlighting the need for urgent preventive measures and comprehensive urban planning to mitigate these challenges. The study emphasizes the necessity for strategic solutions applicable to other coastal cities facing similar threats.

The ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria faces a critical building collapse crisis, with over 280 structures reported to have collapsed in the last two decades. Researchers indicate this alarming rise in collapses, tenfold compared to previous decades, is a direct consequence of climate change and urban expansion. The study, published in the journal Earth Future, highlights risks that may also affect coastal cities globally, as over 7,000 buildings in Alexandria’s vulnerable areas are now at significant risk.

Severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels are central to this crisis, posing threats not only to Alexandria but to coastal cities at large. Essam Heggy, a researcher from the University of Southern California, emphasizes that Alexandria serves as a stark illustration of the challenges faced by regions worldwide. He notes that the findings reflect global risks and indicate preventive measures that could be implemented effectively.

The study reveals a concerning trend of seawater intrusion into local groundwater, exacerbated by climate change. Increased salinity destabilizes soil, leading to structural instability in building foundations. This analysis involved comprehensive evaluations of geographic, geological, and engineering data, alongside monitoring via government reports and satellite imagery for damaged buildings.

The Gharb district of Alexandria has been particularly devastated, with the shoreline receding an average of 31 meters annually. This extensive erosion also results in salt infiltration affecting nearby aquifers, adversely influencing soil quality. Over-extraction of groundwater has intensified this issue, particularly in reclaimed areas where foundational integrity is compromised.

Poor maintenance of aging buildings, inadequate urban planning, and ineffective sewage infrastructure contribute significantly to the deterioration of this area. A comprehensive approach to urban planning and risk management is deemed imperative by experts to address these challenges effectively.

Although the focus remains on Alexandria, similar scenarios are unfolding in other coastal cities like Tunis and Tripoli, where beach erosion and structural damage are reported. In Italy, collapse rates on the southern coast have spiked by nine percent in recent years, indicating a broader regional concern.

The negative impact of urbanization in Egypt, particularly along the North Coast, is alarming, disrupting sedimentation processes and exacerbating sea level rise. Amir Gohar from the University of the West of England presents sea level rise as a persistent challenge across the Mediterranean, stressing its varied impact.

To mitigate these issues, the study suggests implementing nature-based solutions such as creating “living beaches” and green infrastructures designed to stabilize shorelines and support ecosystems. Additional proposals include the construction of rain gardens and wetland restoration to combat flooding and erosion risks effectively.

Experts advocate for enhanced cooperation with local authorities to ensure effective strategy implementation, with calls for Egypt to adopt adaptation and mitigation strategies. This may involve constructing sea walls or relocating vulnerable communities away from at-risk areas, coupled with regulations to restrict development on fragile coastal landscapes.

In conclusion, the concerning rate of building collapses in Alexandria exemplifies the significant risks coastal cities face from climate change-induced challenges such as rising sea levels and coastal erosion. This situation necessitates immediate attention and action to implement preventive measures and sustainable urban planning. The highlighted nature-based solutions and comprehensive management strategies can potentially mitigate the impacts of climate change, serving as a model for other vulnerable coastal regions.

Original Source: www.scidev.net