Kamaran: Fascinating white sand shores and a diving gem [Archives:2006/933/Last Page]
Ismail Al-Ghabiri
Occupying a 102 square-kilometer area, Kamaran Island is situated north of Hodeidah city ahead of Ras Al-Saleef shore and the Ibn Isa area, 55 kilometers from Hodeidah. Five kilometers from Ras Al-Saleef, one can reach Kamaran's shores in 20 minutes by boat, whereas it is much closer to the mainland in the area between Ras Isa and Ras Al-Yam, which is only 1.8 kilometers from land.
Generally speaking, Kamaran Island has flat terrain mainly consisting of plains and some highlands no higher than 24 meters above sea level. The weather in Kamaran is hot, humid and, at times, windy. Seasonal rain in the area is less than in other parts of the Tihama, averaging only three inches annually.
Island dwellers mainly live in Kamaran city, Makram village on the western shore and Yaman village on the island's southern coast. Most inhabitants' sustenance depends upon fishing using mainly primitive means. To sell their catch, they resort to fish markets stretching all the way to the northern Tihama.
Residents have two main sources for drinking water: either wells scattered about the island or water provided by the newly established water desalination plant. Despite this, Kamaran Island still suffers a shortage of water.
As for electrical service, island inhabitants depend on electricity supplied by generator, whether owned by individuals or groups cooperating to use one generator collectively.
The island is not much characterized by agricultural nature, with main vegetation limited to some wild tree and small plant varieties. Kamaran archipelago is well-known for its tourist attractions, particularly wonderful white sand beaches spreading along the island, which, if well invested, could become exciting tourist resorts at different seasons of the year, especially summer and winter.
A still more unique feature of the area is that it offers second-to-none potential for diving sports. Both skilled and novice divers can enjoy a very exciting and thrilling experience. With varying water depths ranging from seven to 30 meters or more, Kamaran Island is especially alluring to diving lovers year round.
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