Experts warn of rising flood risks threatening Petra

Archaeologists and environmental experts have warned of the increasing risks threatening the Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) due to the rising occurrence of flash floods, which endanger the rock-carved monuments in the rose-red sandstone.

They considered the worsening climate phenomena to be a direct threat to the world heritage site in the region.

Dr. Mohammed Tarawneh, an archaeology expert, told Jordan News Agency (Petra) that heavy rainfall causes water to flow through the valleys, leading to the erosion of stone carvings and the deterioration of sandstone facades due to moisture. He called for the rehabilitation of Nabataean dams to mitigate these growing risks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammad Al-Farajat, a professor of water geology at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, stated that floods accelerate the weathering and erosion of the weakly cohesive sandstone rocks. He warned of the gradual loss of archaeological landmarks due to climate change, intensifying flash floods.

He also noted that water flows carve out the bases of ancient columns, increasing the risk of rock mass collapses that threaten both the site and visitors. He stressed the need for geoengineering studies to assess rock stability.

Researcher Taher Falahat added that temperature fluctuations between day and night exacerbate fractures in sandstone rocks, worsening the situation and increasing the need for urgent intervention at the site.

For her part, Dr. Dania Al-Issawi, head of risk management at the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), stated that climate change has made Petra more vulnerable to flooding, recalling the November 2018 floods that required the evacuation of tourists. She confirmed that the authority has implemented several measures, including early warning systems and improved drainage channels, as well as plans to develop precise risk maps and enhance disaster response training.

She emphasized that preserving Petra requires an integrated scientific and engineering approach to ensure the sustainability of this unique heritage for future generations.