A sense of urgency has gripped the Egyptian city of Alexandria as local authorities work to mitigate the risks posed by two tilting buildings in the Karamouz and Imbouzo areas. The situation has prompted a significant security and administrative response, with officials striving to ensure public safety and prevent potential disaster. According to reports, the buildings in question have shown significant tilt, raising concerns about the structural integrity and the safety of nearby residents and properties.
Preliminary investigations by the committee on collapsing structures have shed light on the conditions of the two buildings. The Karamouz building, located at 27B Mazeni Street in the Western district, consists of a ground floor and eight upper floors. It had previously received a restoration order, numbered 150 of 2023, and a violation notice for failing to comply with demolition order 14 of 2024. The severe tilt has made it impossible for residents to retrieve their belongings, prompting the immediate installation of iron barriers and a security cordon to prevent public access.
The second building, located at 21 Badr Al-Gamal Street in the Central district's Imbouzo area, comprises a ground floor and 12 upper floors. Engineers have detected alarming tilt rates, leading to an immediate order for the demolition of the first five floors. The proactive measures aim to alleviate potential risks and prevent a catastrophic outcome. Egyptian authorities have been working tirelessly to address the situation, with Governor Ayman Attia leading the on-site efforts to manage the crisis.
A high-level engineering committee, formed by Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, President of the University of Alexandria, has been dispatched to conduct a thorough on-site assessment. The team, comprising esteemed professors of structural engineering from the university's engineering college, aims to determine the most suitable course of action. Additionally, a specialized team led by Engineer Hisham Safwat, Head of the Alexandria branch of the Arab Contractors Company, has been deployed to provide and install the necessary steel and structural supports to secure the buildings according to the engineering college's recommendations.
Authorities have been working in coordination with the National Emergency and Public Safety Network to monitor the situation and provide immediate support. The crisis management team, in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Development and the Cabinet, is working to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilized to contain the situation. The engineering solutions being considered involve manual demolition from top to bottom, similar to the approach used in the well-known Azarita building crisis.
According to a source within the University of Alexandria committee, the tilt rate in the Imbouzo building is considered particularly alarming, necessitating immediate action to alleviate the load by demolishing the upper floors. The recommended engineering approach involves manual demolition from top to bottom, pending continuous monitoring and assessment of the situation. The authorities remain vigilant, working to prevent any further escalation of the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents and property owners in the affected areas remain anxious about the potential consequences. The prompt response by the authorities has been crucial in mitigating the risks, and ongoing efforts aim to ensure public safety and prevent any potential disasters. The incident highlights the importance of proactive measures in addressing structural issues and preventing such crises from arising in the future.
Key points
- Egyptian authorities respond swiftly to contain the crisis posed by two tilting buildings in Alexandria's Karamouz and Imbouzo areas.
- A high-level engineering committee has been formed to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
- Manual demolition from top to bottom is being considered as a possible solution to address the structural issues.
