Since the beginning of the 20th century, around 100 cases of tsunamis have been recorded in the Mediterranean and its surrounding waters, accounting for approximately 10% of all registered tsunamis worldwide.
Although the region is considered relatively safe, experts point to a real threat from tsunamis. These natural phenomena often occur as a result of earthquakes or volcanic activity and can follow one another, with the first wave not always being the most powerful. Strong currents pose a particular danger, capable of flooding coastal areas, threatening vacationers and damaging infrastructure.
The eastern coasts of the Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, and Italy, are at the highest risk, where high tectonic activity is observed. The central part of the region is considered to have a moderate risk, while the western areas, such as Spain and France, have a lower but still existing risk.
All countries in this region participate in the UNESCO NEAMTWS tsunami warning system, which coordinates information exchange and warnings in the northeastern Atlantic, as well as in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic, and North Seas.
