Sea Advance in Tunisia: Detailed Climate Causes
Meteorology expert Ameur Bahba stated that the recent sea‑water encroachment observed across several regions of Tunisia is part of a natural process driven by clearly identified climatic factors.
In a statement given on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 to Radio Nationale Tunisienne, he explained that a number of coastal zones have recorded a temporary rise in water levels, notably:
- Tunis – especially along the TGM (Tunis‑Goulette‑Marsa) corridor
- Menzel Temime (Nabeul Governorate)
- Hammamet
- Hammam Ghezaz
- Ghar El Melh, where a section of the beach known as “Coco Beach” suffered erosion
Similar impacts were also reported on parts of the island of Kuriat, off the coast of Monastir.
According to the expert, the situation is expected to gradually subside as weather conditions improve.
Climate Drivers Behind the Temporary Sea‑Level Rise
Bahba identified several inter‑related factors that contributed to the short‑term elevation of the sea:
| Factor | How it influences the sea |
|---|---|
| Drop in atmospheric pressure – especially during recent depression episodes | Reduces the weight of the air column over the ocean, allowing water to rise. |
| Strong onshore winds | Push large water masses toward the shoreline, amplifying the surge. |
| Significant swell (houle) | Enhances wave propagation toward the coast, compounding the effect of wind and low pressure. |
Together, these elements created a perfect storm of sustained winds and falling pressure, accelerating the inland push of seawater.
Urban Planning & Coastal Erosion: The Need for Forward‑Looking Strategies
University professor of climatology Zouhair Hlaoui reminded listeners that previous urban‑development plans did not treat this type of phenomenon as a major threat. Speaking also on Radio Nationale Tunisienne, he warned that the sea is now “trying to reclaim its space,” underscoring the urgency to integrate climate risks and coastal erosion into Tunisia’s coastal‑management policies.
“We must embed comprehensive climate‑risk assessments into every new zoning and protection plan for the Tunisian littoral,” Hlaoui emphasized.
What This Means for Tunisia’s Coastline
- Short‑term: Expect a gradual retreat of the water surge as atmospheric conditions stabilize.
- Medium‑ to long‑term: Persistent climate trends (e.g., rising sea temperatures, altered wind patterns) could make such episodes more frequent and intense.
- Policy implication: Urban planners, engineers, and local authorities need to update coastal‑defence infrastructure, adopt nature‑based solutions, and re‑evaluate land‑use zoning to mitigate future erosion.
Further Reading
Is the Tunisian coastline threatened by rising waters?
Source: La Presse (16 February 2026)
