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Part of Taga Beach erodes, local govt cautions public
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Posted on Oct 24 2006
The public is being warned to stay away from a recently eroded area at Taga Beach on Tinian as it poses a danger to community members.
Emergency Management Office Tinian representative Joe A. Camacho said yesterday that possible wave action may have bored the huge hole along the cliff on the beach. Camacho said the erosion may have been due to last weekend’s weather.
Camacho said the hole measures 10 by 20 feet wide and about 38 feet deep.
He said this is the first time that consecutive storms eroded that part of the beach. He added that the water from beneath the cliff may have eaten into the ground, causing that part of the beach to collapse, leaving a huge hollow behind.
EMO, together with the Tinian Mayor’s Office and Coastal Resource Management Office on Tinian, have secured the area.
Camacho said the Tinian Mayor’s Office has already placed caution tapes around the area.
“The Mayor’s Office is planning to put a fence around it,” added Camacho.
Camacho said a local fisherman, Vicente Aldan, discovered the erosion. He commended Aldan’s initiative in informing authorities for the safety of the Tinian community and its visitors.
He said the crater is not noticeable at night, so visitors going to Taga Beach at night should observe extra care.
Camacho expressed concern that future storms and typhoons could aggravate the problem and enlarge the size of the hole. He said the local government would need help and assistance on how to prevent further erosion in the area.
CRM officer Kathy Yuknavage said yesterday that the CRM is investigating the extent of the damage to the shore.
In the meantime, she said that Tinian coastal coordinator Edwin Hofschneider is working with the Marianas Visitors Authority to put up a warning sign translated in the vernacular and other languages to inform guest workers and tourists to stay back from the cliff line.
