Alexandria, Egypt: The Risks of Coastal Erosion

The study “Soaring Building Collapses in Southern Mediterranean Coasts: Hydroclimatic Drivers & Adaptive Landscape Mitigations” published in Earth’s Future reveals a dramatic increase in building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt, linked to rising sea levels and the consequent intrusion of seawater into structures.

The authors emphasize that even small rises in sea level can cause significant damage, putting historically resilient cities like Alexandria and Los Angeles at risk. In the last decade, building collapses in Alexandria have risen from one per year to 40 annually.

The study underscores the importance of monitoring coastal erosion and seawater penetration, with the deterioration of the ground caused by seawater identified as the primary cause of the collapses, alongside the structural weakness of the buildings themselves.

The researchers employed digital maps, satellite images, and isotope analysis to track changes in the coastline and the effects on the ground and building foundations.

The study also proposes implementing nature-based solutions (NbS), such as creating sand dunes and vegetation barriers to prevent saltwater intrusion and protect structures.

Timely action is crucial to preserve ancient coastal cities in the Mediterranean, their architectural heritage, and our historical and cultural memory.