UNESCO warns there’s close to a 100% chance of a Mediterranean tsunami

The Mediterranean may seem far removed from the world’s major tsunami zones, but history and modern modeling show that destructive waves can strike the French Riviera with surprisingly little warning. Some tsunamis could reach shore in under 10 minutes, while past events have produced waves around two meters high, powerful currents, damage, and deaths. UNESCO warns there’s close to a 100% chance of a Mediterranean tsunami.

Scientists and local officials are preparing detailed evacuation routes, refuge sites, warning tools, and public drills to help people escape before it is too late. Com On the French Riviera, a tsunami could arrive before a warning reaches people on the beach. In some local scenarios, the first waves could reach shore in under 10 minutes.

France’s national warning center, meanwhile, aims to send its initial alert to authorities within 15 minutes of a potentially dangerous earthquake. That is why researchers and local officials around Nice are doing more than improving alerts. They are mapping walking routes, identifying refuge sites, and helping residents and visitors recognize when they need to leave the coast immediately.