Coastal storm surge worries scientists

By Linah Benyawa

Experts have warned a strong storm surge witnessed at the Coast in the last one week could affect tourism.

Dr Charles Magori, a Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute scientist, said the continued change of whether could also affect the fish industry.

"This phenomena is linked to climate change and in the end, the tourism and fishing industry could really suffer," said Magori.

He also warned fishermen to keep off corals in the coastline, arguing they could be swept away by strong winds originating from the ocean.

"It is not advisable to be at the sea at this particular time, or use a small boat for fishing because it might capsize due to the strong waves," he told The Standard in an interview in Mombasa, yesterday.

Water levels

He said the storm surge was contributing to an unusual rise in water levels.

At the same time, the scientist warned climate change could result in adverse economic and cultural effects at the coastline if the ongoing trend continues in the next 15 years.

"It is projected that areas like Lamu and Malindi would be full of water," he said.

He also said the sea level had risen by about 2mm a year, and warned there might be coastal flooding.

"In the years to come, we might see loss of land due to erosion, because of the increase of the seal level," he added.