What was already a tragic loss of a historic building could ultimately result in the complete loss of the cathedral’s ceiling. No one wants to see any more of the history lost, so all we can do is hope that they can keep things stable as things dry to keep it all together.
The record-breaking heatwave sweeping Europe could cause the ceiling of Notre Dame Cathedral to collapse, experts have warned.
Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect of France’s historic monuments, said the cathedral’s stone walls are still saturated with water sprayed by firefighters during the blaze in April.
With record temperatures expected in Paris this week, Mr Villeneuve said the walls could dry too fast and the structure remains fragile.
He added: “What I fear is that the joints or the masonry, as they dry, lose their cohesion… and all of sudden, the vault gives way.”
Specialists are working to stabilize the cathedral’s structure before reconstruction work begins.
European countries have been struggling with the effects of extreme heat, with temperatures passing 40C (104F) on Wednesday and more hot weather forecast.
For the second time this month, the continent is experiencing the effects of a high pressure system which is drawing hot air from the Sahara desert.
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