What the Al-Karak governorate, especially the Castle area and its surroundings including Al-Marj and Al-Thalaja, is witnessing, cannot be merely reduced or justified by increased rainfall amounts, even though the heavy precipitation is a stimulating factor. The problem is deeper and more complicated, directly linked to the geological nature of the region and poor planning and weak risk management.
The region is geologically based on fragile and fissured limestone formations, interspersed with loosely bound soil and layers varying in mechanical resistance, plus the presence of clear geological faults and structures passing through the Castle area and cutting across it in various directions, making the rock masses less cohesive and more prone to sliding and collapse, especially when saturated with water.
With the infiltration of rainwater and the absence of a thoughtfully planned drainage system, the hydrostatic pressure behind retaining walls and around foundations and main streets increases, which accelerates the processes of failure and collapse, turning rainfall from a natural phenomenon into a destructive factor.
While it's true that the Department of Antiquities and the Natural Resources Authority have conducted restoration and rehabilitation works in some sites in the past, the region, however, still requires consideration of the nature of the rocks, the direction of the faults, and the soil's response to water and loads.
Blaming the rainfall alone for what is happening is an evasion from the core of the problem; the real causes include:
Poor urban planning and infrastructure.
Lack of detailed geological and geotechnical studies before project implementation.
Implementation of construction works that do not consider the engineering conditions specific to sensitive areas.
Absence of an effective and sustainable water drainage system.
What is advised today?
1. Declaring the area as a geological hazard zone, not just a temporarily affected area.
2. Preparing a comprehensive geological and geotechnical study that includes fault maps, slope stability, and soil behavior.
3. Establishing a comprehensive water drainage system (surface and subsurface) to alleviate pressure on walls and slopes.
4. Reevaluating all retaining walls and designing them according to modern engineering standards.
5. Halting any random infrastructure or restoration works until the studies are completed.
6. Adopting a continuous monitoring plan for ground movements and fissures.
What is happening in Al-Karak, especially around the Castle, is a clear scientific alarm that dealing with historical and sensitive areas should not be reactive but should follow a comprehensive scientific approach that respects geology before asphalt and stone.
… And the discussion continues.
