Rising sea levels have caused Panama to evacuate the residents one of its islands. The inhabitants the tiny Gardi Sugdub island Panama's Caribbean coast are being relocated to the mainland. However, a Panamanian government official said some people are refusing to vacate their ancestral home. They will stay until the absolute last minute. Panama's government said Gardi Sugdub is a sign things to come as more low-lying islands are under threat being engulfed the ocean. A recent study Panama's Environment Ministry estimated the country would lose 2.01 per cent its coastal territory to rising sea levels. It added that 38,000 people will need to be relocated a cost about $1.2 billion.
Gardi Sugdub has been home to the indigenous Guna people generations. The overcrowded island is just 366 metres long and 137 metres wide, but was home to nearly 300 families. They relied fishing and tourism to make a living. Islander Nadin Morales, 24, said: "We're a little sad…but the sea is sinking the island little little." She added: "Lately, I've seen that climate change has had a major impact.…The tide comes to a level it didn't before, and the heat is unbearable." Ms Morales said she hopes her community will prosper its new location. Her new home will be a $12 million government development two kilometres the port which boats go to Gardi Sugdub.
