Also seven years after the collapse of two buildings, homes in Marseille fall apart before your eyes

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Marseille showing signs of disrepair.” loading=”lazy”>

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Marseille, France – Seven years after the collapse of two buildings in the city center on November 5, 2018, which resulted in eight fatalities, numerous structures across Marseille continue to deteriorate, posing ongoing risks to residents. Recent reports indicate a persistent pattern of building degradation,with residents facing dust,structural damage,and the threat of potential collapse.

Inès (62, withholding her last name), a shop owner on Rue d’Aubagne, describes significant damage to her building and the adjacent apartment.Large holes have appeared in the ceiling above her clothing store. “The VvE (owners’ association) is attempting to initiate repairs, but we are currently awaiting municipal subsidies,” she stated. The delay is causing dust accumulation in her store, but Inès expressed a degree of reassurance due to the presence of temporary iron supports installed by experts. Ten separate assessments have been conducted on the building.

The building formerly occupied by Sharon Tulloch, evacuated in 2018, remains in a dilapidated state. According to Tulloch, the structure is now covered in graffiti and supported by four black pillars, with its shutters permanently closed. She avoids the area, stating, “It hurts me to still see the building in this state. The wound has not yet been healed.” The 2018 collapse occurred on Rue de la Joliette and Rue du Panama, impacting buildings numbered 16 and 18.

Marseille, France’s second-largest city, faces a significant challenge with its aging building stock. A 2023 report by the city council identified over 100 buildings as being at high risk of collapse, with an estimated 600 requiring urgent repairs. The city has allocated €30 million for building renovations, but residents and experts argue this is insufficient to address the scale of the problem. the city’s unique topography, built on limestone foundations, contributes to the instability of many structures. the November 2018 collapse prompted a city-wide inspection program, revealing widespread structural deficiencies. The program identified a backlog of necessary