Egypt Identifies Most Climate-Vulnerable Cities, Details Coastal Protection Projects

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that the Egyptian state addresses climate change challenges through a comprehensive, science-based vision.

Coastal vulnerability assessment to 2100

Sewilam explained, during remarks on the “Min Maspero” program broadcast on Channel One, that the ministry completed a scientific project spanning over four years. The study assessed climate change impacts along 1,200 kilometers of Egypt’s northern coastline, projecting conditions up to the year 2100 under the worst-case climate scenarios.

The minister clarified that while potential effects of sea-level rise would occur in the absence of protective measures, such projections do not reflect the full picture without accounting for state-executed protection initiatives. He emphasized that Beheira and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates are projected to be the most affected, followed by Damietta and Dakahlia, then Port Said, with Alexandria coming afterward.

Results of coastal protection works

Sewilam confirmed that Egypt has implemented coastal protection projects for several years, grounded in specialized scientific studies and research. These interventions have protected more than 45,000 feddans of agricultural land, preserved over 22,000 associated job opportunities, and secured 18 square kilometers of urban zones and infrastructure.

He noted that protection efforts have also safeguarded investments valued at approximately EGP 2.7 billion in Alexandria Governorate and around EGP 520 billion in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The minister added that Egypt continues executing new measures to counter sea-level rise impacts—both on surface land and groundwater—to prevent seawater intrusion into aquifers.

Current water situation and Nile flow indicators

Regarding the national water status, Sewilam indicated that climate change influences rainfall patterns, but it remains premature to determine whether the current season will experience drought or flooding. He stressed that definitive conclusions depend on actual data collected during the flood season.

Current indicators show that rainfall over the White Nile basin exceeded average levels, whereas rainfall over the Ethiopian Plateau remains slightly below average so far. Sewilam affirmed that the final hydrological picture for the water year will become clear by the end of August and during September and October.

Role and readiness of the High Dam

The minister underscored that the High Dam was constructed specifically to manage the variability of the Nile River’s annual inflow—storing surplus water during high-flood years and releasing it during low-inflow years.

Sewilam concluded by affirming that the current water situation is reassuring, that the High Dam is operating at its optimal hydrological condition, and that it retains full capacity to handle all possible hydrological scenarios—ensuring Egypt’s water requirements are met. He reiterated Egypt’s preparedness to respond to any developments that may arise during the current water season.