Moenjodaro UNESCO Emergency Mission Following Disastrous Rainfall in 2022: Intermediate Progress report: Intermediate Progress report, April 2023

Résumé 0

In August 2022, the Moenjodaro World Heritage Site received disastrous rainfall up to 779.5 mm that seriously affected the archaeological remains. The intensity of heavy rainfall caused severe structural damages, including collapse of walls, developing cavities and holes in structures due to loss of mud and bricks, erosion of slopes and mud pushta, weakened the foundations of walls and structures at Moenjodaro Site. Heavy rain also affected the drainage system and the main drain. The main drain around the Main Stupa area choked with silt and other wastes causing accumulation of water into the ruins up to the level of two feet inflicting further damages to the structure. The site, already fragilized, is in a vulnerable condition and needs urgent intervention with damage assessment and stabilization work to protect these from further decay and future disasters. In the context of limited technical and financial capacity of the staff of the Directorate of Archaeology and Antiquities, Sindh, to handle such a huge disaster and major conservation and restoration work it is required to involve and seek guidance of international experts and technical support from UNESCO. Hence World Heritage Centre strongly encouraged the State Party to apply for International Assistance and mobilized the World Heritage Fund. Directorate of Archaeology and Antiquities, Sindh worked closely with UNESCO Islamabad office to prepare international request for immediate technical and financial support for immediate and long-term conservation of the site under the guidance of international experts and UNESCO.