Documenting and analyzing the harmful impacts of the seasonal floods in upper Egypt on Qena-Safaga Railway track infrastructure

Abstract EN

In light of the world's current severe climatic changes, it has been observed that the frequency of flash floods and torrents is increasing at an accelerating rate in numerous areas, exposing civil infrastructure and property to significant damage and losses.

railways are one of the most essential components of the transportation sector's infrastructure, which is the prime engine for any development in all sectors.

recently, there have been many cases of torrents attacking some railway tracks in Egypt, especially in the east of the country, including the Qena-Safaga railway track, which is the main objective of this study to minimize the expected negative impacts.

torrents, or flash floods, are one of the most destructive natural hazards, especially in arid regions.

seasonally, these regions are exposed to heavy rains that cause serious flash floods with great negative impacts.

in such conditions, the railway track needs maintenance, insurance, and protection against the risks of monsoon floods that hit those areas from time to time.

the present study includes the most popular flash floods that attacked railway infrastructures all over the world and how they were protected, allowing them to successfully deal with these exceptional circumstances to maintain the integrity of the railway tracks and the efficiency of their performance.

the study will present a classification of some previous flash floods that occurred in Egypt and some other places in the last few decades based on multiple criteria, including severity, lifetime, direction, impacts, and the types of harmful effects on infrastructure.

the goal of the study is to introduce a practical manual and procedure for how to deal successfully with flash floods that may attack the under-study Qena-Safaga railway track.