Waves wash away Palanga beach as storm season begins

Storm waves have eroded parts of the beach in the resort town of Palanga, with access north of the pier now impossible, LRT reports. The storm season is only beginning, raising concerns among residents and visitors.

Waves have been reaching a cafe closest to the pier throughout the summer, leaving almost no beach there. The situation has worsened in autumn. The cafe’s owners are trying to save the building by reinforcing its piles, but plan to move it to a safer location before next season.

“Scientists have found that this stretch from the pier to the Central Palanga Rescue Station is the most vulnerable to erosion,” said Reda Kairienė, head of the environment and land management division.

The Palanga pier holds back some sand on its southern side, where the beach is wider. But with storms still ahead, the municipality is doing what it can, Kairienė said, including laying down layers of branches where possible. The shoreline is so exposed, she said, that other measures would be washed away immediately.

Workers plan to return to the beach once the winds ease. Officials also hope the sea will bring some sand back. So far, the water has not reached the dune ridge.

Oceanographer Vitalijus Kondratas of Klaipėda University said sand replenishment helps, though the effect may not be obvious. He said water levels had remained high throughout September, and a rise of half a metre could shift the shoreline by about 25 metres.

Palanga’s beaches were last replenished with sand six years ago. Funding has been allocated for another project, but an environmental impact assessment and public procurement are still needed. Work is therefore likely to begin next year or in two years.