Coastal Erosion: Residents Fear the Disappearance of Tamarin Beach

A section of Tamarin Beach is now at risk of disappearing, a victim of severe coastal erosion triggered four months ago by human error. A bulldozer operator, seeking convenience, dug within ten meters of trees instead of the required 150 meters at the center of the estuary. As a result, nearly 100 meters of beach have already been lost, and the ecosystem has been disrupted due to the diversion of two rivers towards the coastline.

Every summer, boaters usually open the mouths of two rivers after the dry season, but this human error has heavily impacted the coast.

Today, with rising waters, 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 at risk. Between anger and despair, residents are witnessing the gradual disappearance of this public beach and are urgently calling on the authorities to intervene swiftly. In the meantime, they are trying to find solutions themselves.

According to activist Percy Yip Tong, over 100 meters of beach have been eroded in just three days: "What happened is unfortunate; I filed a complaint online with the Beach Authority, and they acted. But since that week, there have been big waves, and that’s when the sand washed away. If the authorities do not understand the urgency, we will have to act, but they must give us authorization."

In the meantime, Percy Yip Tong has requested permission for sand dredging work from the Ministry of Environment. In a letter dated Monday, April 27, he specified that he is ready to commence these works immediately to slow the destructive current, without any funding from the ministry. The goal is to restore the river's natural outlet to the sea. He adds that there are only a few days left before the arrival of large waves, as warned by meteorological services, and therefore a second bulldozer is needed in the affected area.

Brendon Labonne, a resident and surfer, also proposes a solution: to open a passage in another area of the beach to redirect the river water flow. However, this requires approval from the authorities. He states that the situation is concerning: "The authorities need to understand the urgency of this situation, otherwise this part of the beach will disappear."

With the sand, the waves also carry away many memories. Véronique, a local resident, expresses her disappointment: "After twelve years, I am returning to this place. It’s very sad that we can’t enjoy our beach anymore. We used to fish there, walking on that sand. Today, there’s nothing left for our children." For these residents, Tamarin Beach is in danger. They are awaiting swift action from the authorities before it’s too late.