Scientists warn of tsunami risk in Mediterranean Sea

According to UNESCO, the probability of a tsunami at least one metre high in the Mediterranean Sea in the next 30 years is 100%.

Historical data confirms this:

on the coast of France, such waves have been recorded dozens of times, sometimes exceeding two metres.

The causes could be:

• underwater earthquakes
• seafloor landslides
• volcanic activity

Details

The main danger is time.

If the source of a tsunami is close by, the wave can reach the shore in less than 10 minutes.

Even with distant sources - such as off the coast of North Africa - it can take only about an hour.

This means that classic warning systems may simply not have time.

Why it matters

The scientists emphasise: in such conditions, the only thing that saves us in such circumstances is to have pre-thought-out evacuation routes.

Particularly vulnerable:

• densely populated coastal towns
• tourist areas
• beaches in high season

On the Côte d'Azur, for example, hundreds of thousands of people could be at risk.

Background

Researchers believe that Mediterranean coastal regions need to prepare for such scenarios in advance by developing evacuation plans and training people.

Because in the event of a tsunami, literally minutes could be decisive.

Source

This material is based on a study of tsunami risks for the French and Mediterranean coasts.