A study in the journal Earth Future found that buildings in Alexandria have collapsed more often in the last 20 years. More than 280 buildings fell in that period, and the collapse rate is ten times higher than before. The study says over 7,000 buildings in the most vulnerable coastal area are now at risk.
Researchers say coastal erosion and rising sea levels let seawater reach groundwater. This raises water and salt in the soil, which makes the ground unstable and damages building foundations. The study lists other problems and suggests nature-based and technical measures to protect the coast.
Difficult words
- collapse — fall down or break into piecescollapsed
- coastal — near or at the edge of the sea
- erosion — process of soil or rock wearing away
- groundwater — water that is under the ground surface
- foundation — base that supports a building or structurefoundations
- vulnerable — easy to be harmed or damaged
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which protection would you prefer for a coast: nature-based measures or technical measures? Why?
- How could unstable ground and damaged foundations affect people who live near the coast?
- Have you seen places with coastal erosion? What did you notice there?
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