The Mediterranean is overdue a TSUNAMI, scientists warn

"The Nice - Côte d'Azur metropolitan area is vulnerable for a number of reasons: dense urbanisation, strong tourist appeal, and very busy beaches. Our photo analysis and modelling work have enabled us to estimate that tens of thousands of people are present in the area to be evacuated during periods of high visitor numbers - between 10,000 and 87,000 people on the beaches, depending on the season and time of day."

"Experts say there is a '100 per cent' chance a great wave will form in the Mediterranean Sea in the next few decades. The tsunami could hit France's southern coastline in as little as 10 minutes from the trigger, causing chaos for tens of thousands of people who flock there during the summer months."

"While the country does have a national tsunami alert system, this only covers waves caused by distant earthquakes. That means more local triggers, such as underwater landslides, could go undetected until it is too late."

The French Riviera faces significant tsunami risk despite its renowned climate and luxury appeal. Scientists confirm a tsunami measuring at least one meter will occur in the Mediterranean within 30 years, with potential arrival times as short as 10 minutes. The region's vulnerability stems from dense urbanization, high tourist concentration, and beaches hosting 10,000 to 87,000 people during peak seasons. France's existing tsunami alert system detects distant earthquake-generated waves within 15 minutes but cannot identify local triggers such as underwater landslides. Evacuation plans exist but require regular drills to ensure public preparedness. Globally, tsunamis have killed over 250,000 people since 1970, though Mediterranean risks were historically considered marginal compared to Pacific and Indian Ocean threats.

Read at Mail Online