Autumn storms wash sand from beaches on Germany’s East Frisian islands

Autumn storm surges washed large amounts of sand from beaches on Germany’s East Frisian islands, especially Wangerooge and Norderney.

On Wangerooge, officials estimate that about 40,000 cubic metres of sand are missing from the main beach.

On Norderney, the Weiße Düne beach lost more than six metres of dune edge, and access to part of it is restricted.

The sand is important for tourism, but putting it back can be costly for island communities.

Wangerooge may need to pay for sand to be brought back before the next beach season, though how the work will be funded is unclear.

Authorities say protective dunes still provide full storm-surge protection across the islands.

The storm season has only just begun, and officials have not yet decided whether more sand will be needed for coastal protection next year.