An overlay of high-resolution satellite images between 2007 and
2009 revealed that the study site had experienced severe coastal
erosion. The causes of the erosion were identified as the existing
coastal structures (particularly the jetty) in combination with the
natural erosion induced by high waves during the northeastern
monsoon. Approximately 77,000 m2 of land along the 7-km shore-line had been lost into the sea within a two-year period, which was
equivalent to an average erosion rate of 11 m/year (Fig. 3). About 800
families live within 50 m of the shore along the coastline in the
study. Thus, waiting for one more year could be considered as
a source of acute mental anguish for coastal inhabitants whose
properties were on the verge of being claimed by the sea.