Evaluating flood and landslide hazards to cultural heritage sites in Historic Cairo

Abstract

Abstract Historic Cairo is particularly considered a UNESCO World Heritage site that is very vulnerable to natural disasters, such as flooding and landslides, which would threaten its cultural heritage. Multi-risk vulnerability assessments of heritage sites were investigated using remote sensing and GIS methods. Key factors were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and hazard maps were generated to identify areas at risk of floods and/or landslides. The investigation revealed that 54.1% of the study area falls within very low to moderate flood hazard zones, while 12.4% is classified as very high hazard, affecting 21 heritage sites. Additionally, 16% of the study area is in high-threat zones for landslides, impacting 13 cultural sites, with none in very high-risk zones. Considering both hazards, at least 30 sites are in high-risk areas, including 9 in very high-risk zones. The results highlight the urgent need to develop and implement targeted risk mitigation strategies, particularly for sites in central and eastern Historic Cairo, where flood and landslide risks overlap. The GIS-based database and hazard maps provide valuable tools for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to formulate effective protection strategies for Historic Cairo’s cultural heritage.