Israel is taking steps to prepare for the possibility of a major tsunami, with the National Security Council urging agencies and ministries to begin preparations amid heightened seismic activity in Greece.
Experts warn that tsunamis are likely to occur again in Israel, given its history of being hit by these natural disasters. While predicting when and where the next tsunami will strike is impossible, the likelihood increases during periods of increased seismic activity.
Israel is part of a regional tsunami warning system, which can issue alerts as soon as a tsunami wave is detected. The country has also installed tsunami sensors along its coast to provide early warnings.
Tsunamis are formed by earthquakes that cause long waves to form in shallow waters. These waves can continue to arrive for hours and strike the shore with great force, causing widespread flooding on land. Coastal residents should follow evacuation routes and stay informed about the latest developments.
The Home Front Command is advising families to prepare for a tsunami by discussing the possibility of an event, creating an emergency plan, and identifying safe escape routes from their homes or workplaces.
Ariel Heimann, a senior geologist at the Institute for National Security Studies, expressed concerns about the recent seismic activity in Greece. While some scientists believe that this activity could precede a major earthquake, others argue that it may subside soon.
Heimann noted that Israel is 1,200 km from Santorini, where the earthquakes are occurring. This distance means that even strong earthquakes would not be felt or cause damage in Israel. However, tsunami waves generated by these earthquakes could reach Israel’s coast.
Experts emphasize that while a major earthquake in Israel is likely to occur soon, there is time to prepare for it. The key is to remain alert but not alarmed, and to take steps to protect the country from this potential threat.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-840935