sea swells getting stronger, higher , causing much damage

[ensho]

Relative calm was observed last night on the coast of Baracoa, after the area was affected by coastal flooding that caused considerable damage to homes and other installations. Leonardo Maura, a specialist from the Provincial Meteorological Center, explained to Granma that the phenomenon – known as "swell" – was caused by a fierce migratory anticyclone located in the Atlantic to the north of Cuba, which generated trains of waves which reached five meters in height at some points, and winds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts. By late evening yesterday, there was a gradual return to normality although nothing absolute, given that the forecast for this morning predicted heavy sea swells, representing a danger to small vessels on the whole of the northern coast of this province, and possible coastal flooding in low-lying areas such as the Malecón in Baracoa.

A total of 800 people were evacuated due to the intensity of the waves, which destroyed around 20 homes, the Eddy González day care center and a farmer’s market; the runway at the Gustavo Rizo airport was also damaged (flights were cancelled) and 100-plus other buildings, including a children’s playground and La Rusa Hotel. From the very first moment, the Municipal Defense Council and the Regional Defense Councils were activated, thus permitting the successful evacuation of inhabitants and preserving economic resources where possible. The surprise coastal flooding occurred without a single drop of rain falling on Baracoa. Top party and government leaders from the province appeared yesterday in Cuba’s first city to make a detailed evaluation of the situation and to support residents in the area.
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this report came in an email and hasn't been posted at RSOE yet

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index.php?smp=&lang=eng

a few days ago Antigua and adjacent islands were dealing with a large sea swell.

I see more and more reports of huge swells hitting land - UK was dealing with some too.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. mommy nature's getting pissed that we are ignoring her many warnings.

[ensho]

2. yes indeed - men have made a deadly mess of things

nt

[JohnyCanuck]

3. Also caused some damage in Barbados

BEACH BLOWS

by CARLOS ATWELL

THE WARNING is clear concerning beaches along the east and west coasts: do not go into the water until Monday, at the earliest.

In fact, director of the Department of Emergency Management, Judy Thomas, said if you plan to go into the sea over the weekend, be extra careful as the water was extremely rough.

On Thursday morning, 79-year-old Oswald White lost his life while swimming at Brandon's Beach, St Michael. Others were in the water at the time despite the red flags flying.

SNIP

Dr Leo Brewster, CZMU's (Coastal Zone Management Unit) director, said they had assessed the damage to the east coast and reported heavy erosion in areas like Skeete's Bay, St Philip, which recorded up to 100 feet of uprush , with some beaches already lost. The SATURDAY SUN has established that at least three fishing boats were damaged on that coast.

Brewster also reported damage to the coral reef in terms of sediment and said any turtle nesting sites in the affected areas were most likely destroyed.

http://www.nationnews.com/story/309281568698509.php


Rough Seas Damaging Reefs

The heavy waves experienced along Barbados' coastline are battering underwater reefs.

Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit Dr. Leo Brewster says the intensity of the under water pull associated with the weather system has severely damaged the reefs, and a lot of sand is also being lost.

http://www.cbc.bb/index.pl/article?id=245475