Named: Areas of Cyprus Most Vulnerable to Tsunami Risks

Paphos and Limassol have been identified as the cities most vulnerable to tsunami risks in Cyprus in terms of expected wave intensity. this phenomenon has previously affected the island.

Senior geologist Silvanas Pileidu reported this on Alpha News. Earlier reports stated that Larnaca would be the first coastal settlement in Cyprus to implement an early warning system and evacuation plan in case of a tsunami, earning the designation of a “tsunami-ready” city.

According to the specialist, Larnaca was chosen due to its low elevation and flat terrain (maximum vulnerability to tsunamis), developed infrastructure, constant high beach attendance, and critical infrastructure facilities along its coastline, including the airport.

The specialist reminded us that a tsunami occurs when “there is a sudden and intense movement of a large volume of water in any water body, be it a large ocean, small sea, lake, or reservoir.”

"The Mediterranean is at risk because our region has too many tsunami sources," emphasized Silvanas Pileidu.

Tsunamis can be triggered by anything that displaces water, such as earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and even meteorite impacts into the sea.

It is also reported that Cyprus has experienced two tsunamis from entirely different sources in the last 800 years, impacting the island and causing disasters.

"Cyprus has already suffered from this phenomenon in the past, with its cities, castles, and ports being destroyed, and this phenomenon will repeat itself every few hundred years," warned the expert.

Therefore, starting with Larnaca, Cyprus is preparing its services and citizens for the onset of tsunamis.

"Our goal is to map the hazard zone along the entire coastline of Cyprus, deliver maps to communities and municipalities so they can begin evacuation planning. We are starting from scratch because we did not have a National Tsunami Response Plan or early warning system," summarized the specialist.