PARIS – Donations neared the $1 billion mark and recovery efforts ramped up at the charred Notre Dame Cathedral after priceless relics and historical treasures were reported saved…
PARIS – Donations neared the $1 billion mark and recovery efforts ramped up at the charred Notre Dame Cathedral after priceless relics and historical treasures were reported saved from a fire that left Paris – and much of the world – in a state of shock.
French authorities said the cathedral was perhaps only minutes away from total destruction when Monday’s blaze swept through the medieval building.
Engineers and historians are expected to put up a temporary roof to protect the cathedral from the elements, assess damage and salvage materials before beginning repairs that may take decades.
Structural engineers, stained-glass experts and stone craftspeople from across the globe are expected to head to Paris to help with restorations in the next few weeks.
Photos from inside the building give a glimpse of the Herculean task ahead: They show piles of burned and blackened debris on the cathedral floor.
The cost to completely repair the iconic 850-year-old church will likely cost between 1 billion ($1.13 billion) and 2 billion euros, according to Stephane Bern, who heads heritage renovation programs across France.
Bern said about $995 million has been raised so far from French business leaders and ordinary worshippers in France and from abroad.
Analysis: Why Notre Dame didn’t completely crumble in the blaze.
