Coastal Danger as ‘Filao’ Tree Collapses on Flic-en-Flac Beach

The large casuarina tree ( Filao) collapsed onto the popular Flic-en-Flac beach on Wednesday, 7 January, sparking urgent warnings over public safety as Mauritius faces an accelerating coastal erosion crisis. The fall, captured and shared by a local social media user, highlights the physical toll of retreating shorelines.

The incident has raised immediate concerns for beachgoers who frequent this busy leisure spot, as more trees become unable to withstand the encroaching tide.

A Rising Tide

The collapse is being cited as a visible symptom of a much larger environmental threat. Due to the effects of global warming, sea levels in Mauritius are currently rising at a rate of 5.8 mm per year—nearly double the global average of 3 mm.

As a result of this rapid rise and increasingly powerful wave action, the Mauritian coastline has receded by several metres.

National Impact

Flic-en-Flac is not alone in its struggle; several other beaches across the island are suffering from similar levels of erosion. Experts warn that the disappearing coastline threatens more than just the landscape:

• Public Safety: Falling trees and unstable terrain pose a direct risk to locals and visitors.
• The Economy: The tourism sector, a cornerstone of the Mauritian economy, is under significant peril.
• Livelihoods: Thousands of jobs dependent on coastal tourism are at risk as beaches shrink.
• Community Access: Public access to these vital recreational spaces is being increasingly restricted by the shifting sands.

Source: Defi Media