Yes, a tsunami is possible on the French Riviera

A tsunami struck the Pacific ribs this week. However, Such a phenomenon is also possible on the sides of the Mediterranean. For example, Côte d’Azur cities are preparing and the population must be aware of the risk.

An earthquake off Russia has triggered Tsunami alerts all around the PacificWednesday July 30. Additionally, Consequently, and especially in certain islands of French Polynesia. Nevertheless, This risk also exists on the sides of the yes, tsunami possible french riviera Mediterranean.

Preparation exercises take place regularly, especially in Cannes. Furthermore, “”Tsunami alert, immediately evacuate the seaside“: The city has been preparing for risk for several years.

The inhabitants of Paca must prepare for the risk of a tsunami. Consequently, Even if three -quarters are observed in the Pacific Ocean, they can occur on our Mediterranean coasts.

On February 23. 1887, a strong earthquake off Nice caused a tsunami on the Côte d’Azur, with waves of one to two meters in places. Closer to us, On October 16, 1979, a tsunami caused by a landslide left 11 dead at the airport.

The specialists are unanimous: where a tsunami took place, there will be others. Hence this awareness of populations to good behavior to be held.

On the sides of France. the underwater activity is closely monitored:

The main threat is the Ligurian flaw [près des côtes italiennes] yes, tsunami possible french riviera Because it is by far the closest. Afterwards, there could be earthquakes that occur a little further, but on larger flaws. So there, the faults that can be a problem are mainly Algeria.

Quentin Jertery, geophysicist at the Institute of Research for Development.

in Franceinfo.

In January 2024. La Defense and security prefecture Organized a tsunami alert exercise, on nine departments around the Mediterranean, including the Alpes-Maritimes, the Var, the Bouches-du-Rhône.

In June 2022. UNESCO alerted: “The probability of a tsunami wave of more than a meter in the Mediterranean in the next 30 years is close to 100 %”. This risk primarily concerns Greece. Turkey and Italy, but the coasts of Paca are also exposed to tsunamis of seismic origin.

“The PACA region is well affected by underwater earthquakes. rarely, but it happens”, we Recalled in 2024 Hélène Hebert, geophysicist, national coordinator of the tsunamis yes, tsunami possible french riviera alert center (Cenalt), hosted at the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

The expected heights are around 1 meter of tsunami. remembering that it can last 2 hours, or more, once it happens on the shore.

Hélène Hébert, director of the National Tsunamis Alert Center.

in Franceinfo.

The whole coastline of Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur is exposed to this risk. but specialists know that according to the typology of the coasts, certain areas will amplify more than others this phenomenon, such as underwater slopes. “We know that there are more amplifying areas. such as the Cannes and Antibes region, but studies are not yet carried out today.” In the Bouches-du-Rhône, the risk also exists. Marseille is also exposed, even if the city is “A little more protected”.

As a reminder. in the event of tsunami, the state will activate its recent FR-Alert device, whose notifications sent stand out in particular by the issue of a strident sound.

In Cannes. An SMS will be sent by the town hall and the speakers will broadcast messages in French and English on the coast.