What Is the Current Status of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks and a symbol of Paris, was engulfed in flames on April 15, 2019. The world watched in horror as the fire destroyed the spire and roof of the cathedral. The incident left many wondering about the current status of the cathedral.

Initial Damage

The initial damage to Notre Dame Cathedral was extensive. The roof and spire collapsed, and parts of the vaulted ceiling were damaged due to falling debris. However, the stone walls and two bell towers remained intact.

Restoration Efforts

Following the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral within five years. The French government launched a massive fundraising campaign that raised over €800 million from individuals and companies worldwide.

The restoration work began in June 2019 with a focus on securing the site and removing debris. The workers then began stabilizing the structure by reinforcing weakened parts of the building with metal scaffolding.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

The restoration work was halted for several weeks due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in France. However, after restrictions were lifted, work resumed with added safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks.

Current Status

As of September 2021, Notre Dame Cathedral is still undergoing restoration work. The primary focus is on cleaning up lead particles that were released during the fire and stabilizing the structure before rebuilding can begin.

The lead particles were released when Notre Dame’s roof caught fire because it contained lead tiles. An estimated 460 tons of lead were used in constructing Notre Dame’s roof; therefore, it is imperative to clean up these particles before people can return to work on-site safely.

Additionally, workers are reinforcing parts of the building with temporary wooden frames known as ‘Chestnut Trusses.’ These trusses are made from the same type of wood that was initially used to construct Notre Dame’s roof.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing extensive restoration work following the fire that occurred in April 2019. The French government has allocated funds for the restoration, and work has been progressing despite delays due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The focus is on cleaning up lead particles released during the fire and stabilizing the structure before rebuilding can begin. Despite the damage caused by the fire, Notre Dame Cathedral remains a symbol of hope and resilience as it continues to undergo restoration work.