the government advises against visiting beaches this month of March

Pointe Denis under water © Stephan Ekore

In a press release, the Gabonese Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and the Sea strongly advises against visiting beaches this month of March, following the phenomenon of rising sea waters observed along the coast since last Sunday..

It is an impressive and disturbing spectacle witnessed by swimmers, strollers and motorists on the seaside boulevard, regularly submerged by water.

Flood scene on the seaside © Gabonactu.com

The waves which whip against the shore to spill onto the roadway – with all kinds of rubbish – reach up to 2.50 meters in height, according to the ministry’s press release which adds that the height of the tide on the coast of Libreville is n had never exceeded 1.80 meters. Usually it fluctuates between 1.90 and 2 meters in Cocobeach, Port-gentil and Mayumba.

« Never seen », exclaim the people of Libreville in the face of this phenomenon experienced in the capital.

Specialists warn that the peaks are coming during this month of March, for this unprecedented phenomenon called the great equinox tides.

“Unfortunately, we must prepare for possible damage due to flooding,” warn these same specialists who recommend deploying a safety belt along the beaches to prevent populations from accessing them.

Hélène Kengue, Head of the marine weather service at the General Directorate of Meteorology, strongly advises parents to take particular care of young children.

Féeodora Madiba