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Source: Hakai Magazine

Context

Nyangai Island in Sierra Leone's Turtle Islands archipelago is experiencing catastrophic erosion and land loss as a result of rising sea levels, which are a direct consequence of climate change.  Over the last decade, the island has lost two-thirds of its land area, leaving it measuring only 200m by 100m and displacing much of its people.

About Nyangai Island

• It's a little island off the coast of Sierra Leone.
• It is one of several islands that make up the Turtle Islands archipelago.
• It is low-lying and located off a section of the coast prone to severe currents.  As such, they have always been prone to erosion.
• In less than ten years, the island has lost two-thirds of its surface area, measuring only around 200 meters long and 100 meters wide (650 by 330 feet).

Human Toll:

• The population fell from 1,000 to under 300.
• Residents have regularly lost their houses and possessions.
• Overcrowding, a lack of drinkable water, sanitation, electricity, and health services exacerbate their situation.

Environmental devastation:

• Palm trees have been uprooted, beaches have deteriorated, and sandbags are useless attempts to prevent the ocean's march.
• Local flora, such as mango and coconut trees, have disappeared.

Source: The Hindu