A 3.8 metre king tide on Yam Island in the Torres Strait has left 16 people homeless and sparked outrage among locals who are calling for greater flood protection.

Residents took to the streets to protest for the construction of a new seawall, which will provide protection to those living in high-impact areas.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford, said the Queensland Government have activated disaster relief funding for Yam Island locals, but believes the federal government need to introduce seawalls in the long-term.