Rocky Point properties damaged by sea level rise on Saturday

Residents of Rocky Point in Clarendon are expressing concern after rising sea waters damaged property and moved closer to their homes.

The residents say high tides, combined with strong winds, caused significant damage Saturday night, affecting at least 17 fishing boats and several shops along the coastline.

Many are now appealing to the authorities for urgent assistance, fearing that continued coastal erosion and flooding could place their homes and livelihoods at greater risk.

Councillor for the Rocky Point Division Winston Maragh says strong winds pushed the sea further inland than usual.

He told Radio Jamaica News that tide also carried large amounts of sand into several homes, leaving residents to clean up the aftermath.

He added that the situation highlights the growing vulnerability of coastal communities to rough sea conditions and is urging a swift response to address the problem.

“Coastal communities, like Rocky Point, the tide would come in during the nights, and every time that the tide comes in, it deposits sands at the mouths of the drains,” he explained. 

Accordingly, he said, strong winds on Saturday night pushed the water further inland and into the yards for the local residents in Rocky Point. “

“It was like knee-high last night, but since this morning it has drawn down. The section now of water that you see there along the roadway and in the yards, it's gonna be difficult to recede because the sand that the waves brought in has now blocked the, the four drains that lead into the sea from the community.”