After the explosion … the rainy season threatens Beirut

International experts warned on Tuesday that restoring Beirut’s devastated architectural heritage after the devastating August explosion will require hundreds of millions of dollars, and costs will rise rapidly if no action is taken before the start of the rainy season in less than two months.

An international coalition of museums and heritage groups has pledged millions of dollars in support to take over the initial restoration work and attempts to prevent damaged buildings from collapsing in the weeks and months ahead, but this may not be enough. , according to the Associated Press.

Lebanese Director General of Antiquities Sarkis Khoury said: “The General Directorate of Antiquities estimates that $ 300 million will be needed to restore heritage houses in Lebanon.”

In addition to historic houses, many other cultural structures, such as museums, are in need of comprehensive restoration after the massive explosion on August 4, which killed at least 190 people and injured 6,500 others, caused billions of dollars in damage. and displaced a quarter of a million people.

Experts highlighted the need to act quickly to repair the serious damage to the heritage of the city, formerly known as the “Paris of the Middle East”.

Khoury said: “The rain can further damage the facades, and we have to cover 100 historic buildings before the rains and support the structures of about 45 houses near the port, and about 50 houses that have been severely damaged, and if not we do, not only will we have higher expenses in terms of Restoration, but we may see some buildings collapse. “