The conditions at the weakened Mahaicony sea defences have worsened with the onset of higher than normal spring tides.
In a release yesterday, the Ministry of Public Works’ Sea and River Defence Department disclosed that the already “critical” condition of the shoreline at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara “has escalated due to the impacts of the current spring tide.” This, it informed, has resulted in the overtopping of ongoing sea defence works being executed between Fairfield and Content and between Content and Mes Delices. Added to that, rapid depletion of the remaining mangrove fringe has occurred over the past 48 hours leading to exposure of 500m of embankment to erosion and overtopping. A similar condition has developed between Fairfield and Bath leading to the exposure of the earthen embankment to direct wave impact and overtopping releasing salt water into the adjacent Bellamy Canal.
It was pointed out that the current spring tide is exacerbated by the unusual number of tropical storms presently active in the Atlantic Ocean. These tropical storms and low-pressure systems, when combined with spring tide effects, characteristically contribute to a more aggressive wave climate and increases nearshore wave energy.
