Coastal erosion: residents fear the disappearance of Tamarin beach

Part of Tamarin beach is today threatened with disappearance, victim of severe coastal erosion triggered four months ago by human error. An excavator driver, for ease, dug around ten meters from the trees instead of intervening 150 m away, in the center of the mouth. Result: nearly 100 m of beach already lost, and an ecosystem disrupted by the diversion of the waters of two rivers towards the coast.

Every summer, boaters normally open the mouths of two rivers after the dry season, but this human error would have had a major impact on the coastline.

Today, with rising water levels, the trees no longer protect the sand. A lamp post, a brick sign and several benches have already been swept away by the waves. The main kiosk and a century-old tree are now threatened. Between anger and despair, residents note the gradual disappearance of this public beach and are launching an urgent appeal to the authorities to intervene quickly. In the meantime, they are trying to find solutions themselves.

According to activist Percy Yip Tong, more than 100 meters of beach were eroded in just three days: “Des ki sa in arive en desam, fin fer complaint online lor Beach Authority, ban la in action. But this week, the end of a big wave, the one that disab in ale. And if you don't understand the emergency, you can't act but don't do it.”

In the meantime, Percy Yip Tong has applied for authorization for sand removal work from the Ministry of the Environment. In a letter dated Monday, April 27, he specified that he was ready to immediately resume this work to slow down the destructive current, without any funding from the ministry. The goal is for the river to return to its natural outlet to the sea. He adds that there are only a few days left before the arrival of big waves, as announced by the meteorological services, and therefore a second excavator is needed in the affected area.

Brendon Labonne, resident and surfer, also suggests the solution: open a pass in another area of ​​the beach to divert the passage of the river waters. But this requires the approval of the authorities. According to him, the situation is worrying: “Bann lorite bizin konpran lirgans lirgans his situation, otherwise his party will disappear.”

Along with the sand, the waves also carry many memories. Véronique, a resident of the region, testifies to her disappointment: “After twelve years I returned to the land. Li bien sagrinan nu pa ress nu laplaz. Nu ti pe al la pes, mars lor sa disab la. Azordi pa ress nanie pu nu ban zenfan”. For these residents, Tamarin beach is in danger. They are waiting for rapid action from the authorities before it is too late.

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