That is just one of many landmarks in the Javan coastal village of Timbulsloko swallowed by rising tides, which have forced residents to adapt to a new life on the water. "It's only memories now... there are no such activities any more," said 49-year-old Sulkan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Timbulsloko residents' lives have been drastically altered by rising sea levels, coastal erosion and excessive groundwater extraction making the land sink. He called it a "slow disaster" happening before the world's eyes, with data showing some areas around Timbulsloko sinking up to 20 centimetres annually, double the rate recorded in 2010. He says his floor can still be submerged in water during high tides, leaving him worried high waves could collapse his home.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha July 24, 2023 06:56 UTC