Experts Warn Of Flood Risks To Petra's Heritage As Authorities Step Up Protection Measures
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Petra, Feb. 26 (Petra) -- Increasingly frequent flash floods pose a growing threat to Petra's archaeological heritage, prompting intensified efforts by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to safeguard the historic site.
Experts warn that heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions are accelerating erosion and structural instability in the ancient city's rock-carved monuments.
Archaeology expert Mohammad Tarawneh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that flash floods are among the most severe natural threats to Petra. Rainwater channels through valleys and rock crevices, gradually eroding the site's sandstone-carved facades and sculptures. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Nabataean-era dams to mitigate the impact of flooding and preserve the site's integrity.
Mohammad Al-Farajat, professor of hydrogeology, environmental studies, and geophysical exploration at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, noted that Petra's sandstone formations have varying degrees of cohesion, making them vulnerable to erosion and collapse.
He added that climate change has intensified flood risks in recent decades, with heavier and more frequent rainfall accelerating damage to the site's landmarks.
Al-Farajat highlighted that floods carve into the bases of ancient facades and columns, increasing the likelihood of deterioration and collapse. He also warned that rockfalls pose a direct risk to visitors and the structural stability of the monuments, underscoring the need for detailed geoengineering studies to assess and reinforce rock stability.
In addition to flood damage, the site faces risks from temperature fluctuations, according to archaeology expert and researcher Taher Al-Falahat. He explained that extreme temperature differences between day and night cause sandstone to expand and contract, leading to cracks and structural weakening over time.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority has launched several initiatives to address climate-related risks. Dania Al-Issawi, head of the authority's risk management department and an expert in climate studies and hydrological modeling, said Petra is increasingly vulnerable to flash floods due to shifting weather patterns. Given the site's location in a narrow valley, heavy rainfall can lead to rapid flooding, causing damage to monuments and endangering visitors.
She cited the November 2018 floods, which prompted the evacuation of tourists, as an example of the growing threat. The incident underscored the need for stronger flood prevention and response measures.
To mitigate risks, the authority has implemented early warning systems, upgraded drainage infrastructure, and enhanced disaster management and emergency response plans.
Al-Issawi stressed the importance of raising public awareness and enforcing strict construction regulations in high-risk areas. She also called for integrating climate forecasts into early warning systems and developing detailed flood risk maps that consider future climate change scenarios.
Experts emphasize that protecting Petra requires a comprehensive approach that combines scientific research, engineering solutions, and sustainable environmental management to ensure the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site for future generations.
Petra, Feb. 26 (Petra) -- Increasingly frequent flash floods pose a growing threat to Petra's archaeological heritage, prompting intensified efforts by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority to safeguard the historic site.
Experts warn that heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions are accelerating erosion and structural instability in the ancient city's rock-carved monuments.
Archaeology expert Mohammad Tarawneh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that flash floods are among the most severe natural threats to Petra. Rainwater channels through valleys and rock crevices, gradually eroding the site's sandstone-carved facades and sculptures. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Nabataean-era dams to mitigate the impact of flooding and preserve the site's integrity.
Mohammad Al-Farajat, professor of hydrogeology, environmental studies, and geophysical exploration at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, noted that Petra's sandstone formations have varying degrees of cohesion, making them vulnerable to erosion and collapse.
He added that climate change has intensified flood risks in recent decades, with heavier and more frequent rainfall accelerating damage to the site's landmarks.
Al-Farajat highlighted that floods carve into the bases of ancient facades and columns, increasing the likelihood of deterioration and collapse. He also warned that rockfalls pose a direct risk to visitors and the structural stability of the monuments, underscoring the need for detailed geoengineering studies to assess and reinforce rock stability.
In addition to flood damage, the site faces risks from temperature fluctuations, according to archaeology expert and researcher Taher Al-Falahat. He explained that extreme temperature differences between day and night cause sandstone to expand and contract, leading to cracks and structural weakening over time.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority has launched several initiatives to address climate-related risks. Dania Al-Issawi, head of the authority's risk management department and an expert in climate studies and hydrological modeling, said Petra is increasingly vulnerable to flash floods due to shifting weather patterns. Given the site's location in a narrow valley, heavy rainfall can lead to rapid flooding, causing damage to monuments and endangering visitors.
She cited the November 2018 floods, which prompted the evacuation of tourists, as an example of the growing threat. The incident underscored the need for stronger flood prevention and response measures.
To mitigate risks, the authority has implemented early warning systems, upgraded drainage infrastructure, and enhanced disaster management and emergency response plans.
Al-Issawi stressed the importance of raising public awareness and enforcing strict construction regulations in high-risk areas. She also called for integrating climate forecasts into early warning systems and developing detailed flood risk maps that consider future climate change scenarios.
Experts emphasize that protecting Petra requires a comprehensive approach that combines scientific research, engineering solutions, and sustainable environmental management to ensure the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site for future generations.
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