Spain on alert: a tsunami could devastate its coasts in the coming decades.

The fear of natural disasters such as tsunamis often seems like a distant phenomenon, reserved for regions of the world that, like Southeast Asia or the coast of Japan, frequently live in the shadow of seismic activity. However, a recent study by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) has raised alarms about the fact that Spain could also become a victim of a devastating tsunami, and the country's coastlines are more vulnerable than one might think. The research highlights that the Averroes underwater fault, located in the Alboran Sea, is a determining factor in the increased risk of tsunamis. This geological phenomenon is not only on the rise but, in the event of a volcanic eruption or earthquake, the potential to generate a tsunami reaches alarming levels. With waves that could exceed six meters in height, the estimated time of arrival on the coast would be between 21 and 35 minutes, leaving coastal communities with little time to react. The autonomous communities along the Mediterranean coast are the most likely to suffer the consequences of a tsunami. From the Costa del Sol in Andalusia to the Costa Brava in Catalonia, these areas face an increasing threat, with a near-certain risk that a tsunami will exceed one meter in height in the next 30 years. This information serves not only as a wake-up call for authorities but also for citizens who need to be aware of the existing risk. In contrast, the Atlantic coasts appear to be less exposed to such disasters. The odds of a tsunami striking regions like Huelva or Cádiz are approximately 10% in the next 50 years, although this figure drops to 3% for three-meter waves. Despite the seismic risks presented by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, alert levels seem to be much lower compared to those in the Mediterranean. In northern Spain, the communities bordering the Cantabrian Sea, such as Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, also present a reduced risk. According to the study, water levels in this area would be lower, with estimates of half a meter in height in the case of a tsunami. However, Galicia, a territory with its own maritime and geological dynamics, has not been addressed in the report, leaving a gap in the risk assessment. Despite the statistics, the study's conclusion is clear: the implementation of a tsunami warning system is an urgent necessity. Such systems could be crucial in mitigating the impact of a potential disaster. In response to this threat, the Spanish government has developed a State Civil Protection Plan against Tsunami Risk since 2021, which aims to organize and establish alert procedures and preventive and reactive actions. The plan particularly focuses on the most vulnerable communities, including Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and the Region of Murcia. This comprehensive approach is essential to prepare these regions for the eventuality of a tsunami, as the capacity for response is a determining factor in reducing damage and human loss. However, preparation does not solely rest on the authorities. Education and awareness of the population are fundamental. Information about risks, warning signs, and evacuation protocols must be widely disseminated so that citizens know how to act in case of an emergency. History has shown that often, time is a key ally, and every second counts in the face of a natural disaster. In conclusion, although the threat of a tsunami in Spain may seem like a remote possibility, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. The country's coastlines are at risk, and the combination of an effective warning system and a well-informed population could make the difference between life and death. It is time to act and take the experts' warnings seriously, for nature often reminds us that the power of its fury is unpredictable and devastating.