The only place in Spain to have a tsunami emergency plan
We live in a safe place regarding natural disasters. While it may be true that a snowstorm can paralyse the country for a few days, some flooding causes significant damage, unforgettable earthquakes occur, or even a volcano erupts. Nevertheless, these types of natural events continue to be viewed as something outside of Spain. But, what about tsunamis? Have you ever gone to the beach fearful of such a disaster? Most probably not. While not wanting to instil fear during vacation time, a time of carefree enjoyment, the truth is that Spain is not immune to tsunamis, and the only town in Spain to have an emergency plan for such a disaster is Chipiona.
It is to be expected that tsunamis are associated with Japan, as the word itself is a Japanese one meaning ‘wave in the harbour’. Logically, it is well-known that tsunamis are more than just a wave in the harbour or on the beach. So, what exactly is a tsunami? The key lies in tectonic plates. When an earthquake or a volcanic eruption occurs under the ocean water, the water around it will be displaced.
The magnitude of this displacement and its ultimate destructive outcome will depend on the tectonic plates. In any case, it is best to be prepared. The big question is if a tsunami could happen in the Mediterranean, and the answer is clearly yes. While this natural phenomenon is unusual in Mediterranean waters, UNESCO warns that the danger is increasing more and more as time passes.
Rolling waves along the seafront of Chipiona. | Shutterstock
‘Tsunami Ready’, a European program created after this warning was issued, aims to raise awareness among coastal towns throughout Europe of the importance of taking precautionary measures in order to mitigate the disastrous effects these gigantic waves may cause. Currently, Spain continues to be largely unaware of this fact and the list of ‘Tsunami Ready’ places is short. The list includes towns in France, Italy, Greece, and, of course, Chipiona, the only municipality in Spain to have heeded the warning.
Las Canteras beach in Chipiona. | Shutterstock
So, we travel to Chipiona, in the province of Cádiz, to enjoy a safe travel getaway. Safe not only due to the protective measures against tidal waves and tsunamis, but also because we are guaranteed to enjoy this Andalusian coastal town. Beginning with our own physical safety, we can list some of the measures taken by local authorities to deal with a potential tsunami.
Among such precautionary measures are informative campaigns for residents, the carrying out of simulacra, the mapping of the most dangerous areas in the event of a tsunami, the installation of evacuation sirens, safe routes and shelters. Naturally, the security forces, firefighters and civil protection teams have coordinated protocols of action.
With these safety measures for such an unlikely emergency now in mind, we can now fully focus on Chipiona’s best beaches, its fascinating lighthouse, the Nuestra Señora de Regla Sanctuary, and the Cruz del Mar monument. Nor should one miss the legendary fishing harbour and its delicious local cuisine while nostalgically remembering Chipiona’s most famous native: Rocío Jurado.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
