Alexandria faces a significant structural crisis with over 280 building collapses in the last two decades, primarily due to climate change effects like rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The study stresses the need for global preventive strategies and nature-based solutions to address these risks, emphasizing the interconnectedness of urban planning and environmental conservation to safeguard coastal cities.
In Alexandria, Egypt, the rate of building collapses has spiked dramatically over the last two decades, with over 280 buildings from a densely populated urban center succumbing to structural failures. This occurrence marks an increase tenfold compared to past decades, signaling alarming trends associated with climate change, as highlighted in a recent study published in Earth Future. The investigation reveals that more than 7,000 structures in vulnerable coastal areas are at substantial risk, designating Alexandria as the Mediterranean Basin’s most at-risk area.
Researchers attribute these collapses to severe coastal erosion and rising sea levels driven by climate change. Notably, Essam Heggy, a researcher at the University of Southern California, indicates that urban expansion and environmental changes represent significant threats to Alexandria and similar coastal cities. The findings illustrate the urgent need for preventive measures and highlight their global applicability.
The study pinpoints that coastal erosion exacerbates seawater intrusion, which destabilizes ground layers, thus compromising building foundations and increasing collapse risk. A thorough analysis employed geographic, geological, and engineering data to assess damaged buildings and monitor coastal development through satellite imagery and topographic maps. Sara Fouad, a researcher at the Technical University of Munich, confirmed poor soil stability is closely linked to increased building failures.
The Gharb district of Alexandria suffers from particularly severe erosion, with an alarming average shoreline retreat of 31 meters per year. The study indicates that rising salt levels infiltrate aquifers, deteriorating soil quality and moisture content. Over-extraction of groundwater fuels further seawater intrusion, creating a cycle detrimental to building integrity. The analysis shows that regions with extensive land reclamation face heightened risks due to potential foundation damage.
Contributing factors to the escalating crisis include inadequate building maintenance, ineffective urban planning, outdated sewage systems, and lack of regulatory frameworks. Fouad suggests comprehensive risk management and urban planning practices to tackle these issues successfully. While the study specifically explores Alexandria, similar vulnerabilities exist in other Mediterranean coastal towns like Tunis and Tripoli, where structural damage from beach erosion and urban growth is evident.
Additionally, reports indicate that Italy’s southern coast has encountered a 9% increase in building collapses over the past two decades. Urban development along Egypt’s North Coast is disrupting sedimentation processes and worsening shoreline erosion, heightening risks to urban coastal structures, according to Amir Gohar from the University of the West of England. He warns that rising sea levels pose a persistent threat across Mediterranean nations.
The study advocates for nature-based solutions, suggesting the implementation of soft defense techniques which include green infrastructure and eco-friendly designs to bolster coastal resilience against climate impacts. Recommended strategies include creating “living beaches” for shoreline stabilization, constructing breakwaters, establishing rain gardens, and restoring wetlands to mitigate flooding and soil erosion effects, emphasizing the role of salt-tolerant plants to enhance water absorption.
Mattheios Santamouris from the University of New South Wales underscores the importance of effective collaboration with local authorities to actualize preventive measures garnered from the research findings. To effectively adapt to and mitigate climate impacts, Gohar argues for strategic initiatives such as building sea walls, flood barriers, and restoring mangrove ecosystems, and stresses the importance of relocating vulnerable communities away from at-risk zones. Furthermore, implementing stringent regulations to curb coastal development is essential to safeguard against future crises.
The alarming rate of building collapses in Alexandria, driven by climate change impacts, underscores the urgent need for preventive measures applicable not only in Egypt but also in other vulnerable coastal cities. The study highlights the correlation between rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and structural integrity, advocating for a shift towards sustainable urban planning and nature-based solutions. A coordinated effort involving local authorities and policies aimed at mitigating risks could deter future disasters and protect both infrastructure and communities.
Original Source: www.scidev.net
