Rising Sea Levels Threaten Ancient Port City in Egypt

18 08 2021 | 10:48Hamada Elrasam, Heather Murdock

Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and ancient capital, has long been threatened by rising sea levels. But in recent years, the rise has accelerated rapidly, endangering the economy, lives and the very future of the city. For VOA, Hamada Elrasam has this visual report from Alexandria with words by Heather Murdock.

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Families gather on the beaches of Alexandria, Egypt, on July 25, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Sea level rise has accelerated rapidly in recent years, and scientists predict much of Alexandria, Egypt, could be underwater by 2050. This photo was taken July 25, 2021. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Lifeguards say more than 20 people have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, this July, which is more deaths than in all of last year. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA

 

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Vendors say tourism has dwindled as people grow more afraid of swimming in waters off Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Tharwat Betash, a 21-year-old salesman in Alexandria, Egypt, says 'I used to sell triple the amount on display now during a weekend, but now I have been trying to sell this merchandise for the last two weeks. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Locals say this building in Alexandria, Egypt, collapsed last year after frequent and sometimes deadly floods weakened the city infrastructure. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Saleh El-Asyouty, a 32-year-old resident of Alexandria, Egypt, says even though tourism has declined, rents continue to rise because buildings are being damaged by floods, heat and humidity. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Government workers in Alexandria, Egypt, build up sea-front stone barriers to try to protect the city from rising sea levels. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Some tourists say they are afraid to sit too close to the sea in Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

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Founded over 2,000 years ago by Alexander the Great, the ancient port city is home to more than five million people and uncountable ancient treasures, July 25, 2021, Alexandria, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

 

 

 

 

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