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The Mediterranean -

The Mediterranean Sea sits between Southern Europe and North Africa. On the European side, it touches countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Across the sea, you have the North African nations of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, as well as Libya, Egypt, and Israel in the Middle East. 

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The Alboran Sea -

According to the Spanish newspaper La Razon, the danger zone is the Averroes fault beneath the Alboran Sea, located in the western part of the Mediterranean between the Málaga coast and North Africa.

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What is a fault line? -

A fault line is a crack or break in the Earth's surface where two pieces of the Earth's crust move past each other. A tsunami is caused when an underwater fault line moves suddenly, usually due to an earthquake.

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Waves of six meters (19 feet) -

Experts say an earthquake beneath the Alboran Sea could cause six-meter (19-feet) waves, which could reach Spain in just 21 minutes. It's estimated that coastal residents would have 35 minutes to flee inland.

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Western Mediterranean -

If there was an earthquake near Algeria, a tsunami could cross the sea to Spain within an hour and 15 minutes.

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How are tsunamis predicted? -

Seismographs monitor and record earthquakes. As most tsunamis are triggered by underwater earthquakes, detecting a significant earthquake helps assess the potential for a tsunami.

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Tsunami warning systems -

Tsunami warning systems use a network of sensors and buoys in the ocean to measure changes in sea level. When an earthquake occurs, these sensors can detect abnormal waves and issue early warnings.

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Historical data and patterns -

Studying past tsunamis and their impact helps experts understand which areas are most at risk and improves prediction methods.

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How deadly would a Mediterranean tsunami be? -

According to records, there have been around 100 tsunamis in the Mediterranean and surrounding seas since the beginning of the 20th century. This works out to approximately 10% of the world's total tsunamis for the period.

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The 365 CE Crete earthquake and tsunami -

On July 21, 365 CE, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 8.5 or higher occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The epicenter is believed to be near the island of Crete. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami that killed thousands and hurled ships three kilometers (1.9 miles) inland.

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1755 Lisbon earthquake -

Tsunamis in the northeast Atlantic are less common, but in 1755 an 8.5 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that destroyed most of Lisbon, Portugal's capital city.

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Wave height -

Hélène Hébert, the national coordinator of France’s CENtre d’ALerte Tsunami (CENALT), doesn’t expect waves to reach heights of 20 meters (65 feet), as seen in Japan or Chile. It will be more like one or two meters (3.2 to 6.5 feet).

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2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami -

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the northeastern coast of Japan triggered a tsunami up to 30 meters high (100 feet) that washed up to five kilometers (three miles) inland.

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2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami -

The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami claimed more than 13,000 lives and cost US$309 billion in damage, making it the most costly disaster worldwide

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2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami -

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2-9.3 struck with an epicenter off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

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2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami -

A tsunami with waves up to 30 meters (100 feet) devastated communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean. It killed around 227,898 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.

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It's not just the size of the tsunami that is a concern -

While the size of the tsunami is extremely hazardous, the flows and fluxes of the water and flooding can cause damage to beaches, streets, and harbors.

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What plans are in place for tsunamis in Europe? -

In 2022, UNESCO carried out a mission to the Aeolian Islands, off the coast of Sicily, to investigate the risk from its underwater volcanoes. The organization has announced a plan to train all at-risk coastal communities on what to do in the event of a tsunami by 2030.

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Spain -

In Spain, the State Plan for Civil Protection against the Risk of Tsunamis has an early-warning system to identify underwater earthquakes, and a plan for authorities to keep the public safe.

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Chipiona -

If a tsunami originates in Cape St. Vincent off the Portuguese coast, it will reach the Spanish Cádiz coast in 40 minutes, leaving authorities and residents less than an hour to prepare. While odds of a Cádiz tsunami are only 10% over the next 50 years, the town of Chipiona is aiming to be Spain's first 'tsunami ready' municipality.

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What are tsunami warning signs? -

The first wave in a tsunami wave train is usually not the largest, so if you see an abnormally large wave, even bigger waves could follow.

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Loud ocean roar -

If you hear a roaring sound offshore, similar to that of a train or aircraft, it could be a sign that a tsunami is approaching.

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Unusual sea fluctuations -

If the sea suddenly recedes, exposing the ocean floor, or water levels suddenly rise, a tsunami may be approaching.

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What to do in the event of a tsunami? -

If there is an earthquake and you are in a tsunami hazard zone, get to high ground as quickly as possible as soon as the shaking stops.

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Evacuate on foot -

Roads may become damaged or blocked after an earthquake, so try to walk on open ground as much as possible. You should also leave the roads clear for emergency vehicles to pass through.

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Third floor or higher -

If you cannot move to higher ground, take the stairs to get to the third floor or higher in a sturdy building.

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Stay out of coastal areas -

Stay out of coastal areas until authorities issue an "all clear."

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Get as far away from the shore as possible -

Get as far inland as you can. Tsunamis can travel as far as 16 kilometers (10 miles) inland in some cases, but the shape and slope of the shoreline affect how far they can reach.

Sources: (Euronews) (Ocean Today) (BBC)

See also: The most destructive tsunamis in history

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