Cádiz to host Spain’s National Tsunami Drill ‘Respuesta 25’

Preparing for the unexpected

by Lorraine Williamson
Tsunami risk in Andalucia

Cádiz will take centre stage as the host city for Spain’s National Tsunami Drill, Respuesta 25, scheduled for the final quarter of the year. This large-scale simulation aims to test and improve the readiness of emergency services and citizens in the event of a tsunami. All emergency and security forces, including the Military Emergency Unit (UME), will participate, alongside active public involvement.

During the drill, Cádiz residents and visitors will receive specific instructions, and the ES-Alert system will be activated. This system, known for its role in the response to last year’s catastrophic flooding in Valencia, will send loud alerts and immediate warnings to all mobile phones in the area. Organisers hope to familiarise the public with the system and prevent future tragedies caused by a lack of awareness.

Tsunami risk in Andalucia

The exercise forms part of broader efforts to enhance safety along Andalucia’s coastline. Cádiz, in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía, is developing a local action plan to prepare for potential tsunamis. While Andalucia’s overall tsunami risk is moderate, its extensive coastline—spanning over 800 kilometres and home to 500 beaches—makes preparedness essential. Historical events like the tsunami following the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 serve as a stark reminder of the potential threat.

As part of the action plan, Cádiz will introduce new signage equipped with QR codes linking to an informational guide on how to respond to a tsunami. These efforts aim to educate the public and reduce panic during emergencies.

Comprehensive risk analysis and mapping

Extensive risk analyses underpin the new safety measures. Experts from the Junta de Andalucía, in collaboration with European research programs, have conducted simulations to map potential tsunami effects in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. These analyses include flood heights, wave arrival times, and identification of vulnerable zones.

Key findings include:

  • Atlantic Coast: The highest-risk area, with average flood heights between 5 and 8 metres and peaks reaching 12 metres, particularly from Conil de la Frontera to Cabo de Trafalgar. Waves in this region could arrive within 45-60 minutes.
  • Mediterranean Coast: Lower risk, with flood heights of up to 5 metres and shorter wave arrival times of 20-30 minutes.

Additionally, a building-by-building vulnerability assessment has been completed for the entire Andalucian coastline, offering detailed insights into structural risks.

Raising awareness through drills

To complement the national drill, Cádiz will host additional simulations for schoolchildren in Extramuros and the historic centre. These exercises will prepare young people for emergencies and are set to become an annual initiative.

A model for coastal safety

With Respuesta 25 and the new action plan, Cádiz aims to set a benchmark for coastal safety in Spain. While authorities hope these measures will never be needed, the focus on preparedness ensures residents and visitors are better equipped to handle a worst-case scenario. The initiative highlights the importance of awareness, collaboration, and proactive planning in safeguarding Spain’s coastal communities.

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