What happens when you are only a few feet above sea level

Majuro does get hit with some high tides that push waves up onto the what is normally dry land.

There is so much trash around the ocean shore line that when the waves are high they push not only the sea water along but trash also.  This has happened twice since we have been on island.  But ground is so porous that the water disappears within hours or a day leaving only the trash,  To be cleaned. up.   Also individuals belongs get wet and has to be dried and cleaned.