Since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been about one hundred recorded cases of tsunamis in the Mediterranean and its surroundings. This accounts for approximately 10% of the total number of recorded tsunamis worldwide.
Although the Mediterranean Sea is considered relatively safe, experts emphasize that tsunamis can pose a real danger here. These waves typically arise from earthquakes or volcanic eruptions and can arrive in stages, where the first wave is not always the most powerful. Strong currents are particularly dangerous, as they can flood coastal areas, threaten vacationers, and damage infrastructure.
The eastern part of the Mediterranean is at the highest risk, including the shores of Greece, Turkey, and Italy, where high tectonic activity is observed. Risks in the central part of the region are considered moderate, while in the west, including Spain and France, they are lower but still relevant.
All countries in the region participate in the NEAMTWS tsunami warning system developed by UNESCO, which ensures coordination of information exchange and warnings in the northeastern Atlantic, as well as in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic, and North Seas.
