Tsunami alert in Spain: Cádiz and other coasts prepare for the risk.

The warning about the possibility of a tsunami impacting the Spanish coasts has raised alarms across various sectors of the population and authorities. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has indicated a high probability that a tsunami over one meter in height could affect the Mediterranean in the next 30 years, causing concern in coastal regions of Spain. The most vulnerable areas include Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Region of Murcia, and the provinces of Almería, Granada, Málaga, as well as Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, and Cádiz. The primary threat originates from the Averroes marine fault, located near Alborán Island, which has high seismic activity. This geological phenomenon could trigger tsunamis with waves of up to six meters high, reaching the Mediterranean coast between 21 and 35 minutes after an earthquake. The province of Cádiz, due to its geographical location and seismic history, is at the center of this troubling equation. Historically, Cádiz has experienced tsunami-related disasters. In 1755, a powerful earthquake with its epicenter in Lisbon generated waves up to 15 meters that devastated the coasts of Cádiz and Huelva, resulting in thousands of deaths and the destruction of 80% of the buildings in the area. This dark chapter in local history resonates strongly in collective memory, making preparation for a potential tsunami imperative. Chipiona has taken the lead in this regard, becoming the first city in Spain recognized by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission as a "Tsunami Ready" territory. This designation is not only an honor but also reflects a commitment to disaster preparedness and response. The program that granted this status includes risk assessments, the development of evacuation maps, and regular drills, allowing for effective integration among the various stakeholders involved in emergency management. José Manuel Calvo Hurtado, Civil Protection Coordinator for the City Council of Cádiz, has been a staunch advocate for the need to be prepared. In recent statements to Antena 3 Noticias, he asserted that "we will have another tsunami episode in our country." Calvo emphasized that in geology and geophysics, there are return periods that suggest past events are likely to recur. In this case, the identified return period is approximately 300 years, and with less than 30 years ahead, the urgency becomes even more palpable. Perceptions of tsunami risk have changed significantly since catastrophic events like the 2004 Sumatra tsunami, which served as a wake-up call to the international community. In the wake of this disaster, the United Nations began to take more serious measures regarding the issue, and the recent volcano in La Palma has reinforced the idea that natural risks must be taken seriously. Calvo Hurtado has also pointed out that it is crucial for communities to work on developing local action plans. The necessary actions are not only costly but require coordinated effort and active participation from citizens. In Cádiz, work has already begun, and local authorities are implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of a potential tsunami. The recommended measures are divided into two categories: actions that the population should adopt and those that should be implemented by the administrations. It is essential that citizens know the evacuation routes and are familiar with the procedures to follow in the event of such an occurrence. On the other hand, administrations must strengthen their emergency competencies to ensure an effective response. As research intensifies and action plans are developed, it becomes evident that tsunami preparedness is a shared responsibility. The history of Cádiz serves as a reminder that, while nature can be unpredictable, preparation and education are our best tools for facing what may come. The community must remain alert and united, aware that resilience to natural disasters is not just an ideal but an urgent necessity.