Will a Giant Wave Come and Steal Your Fish and Chips? A Deep Dive (Probably Not That Deep) into Tsunamis in England
Let's face it, England isn't exactly known for its natural disasters. Sure, you might get a rogue downpour that cancels your barbecue plans, or a heatwave that melts your favorite face cream (looking at you, Factor 50), but tsunamis? Those seem more like a California problem. But hey, stranger things have happened, right? So, should you be stockpiling inflatable armbands and practicing your doggy paddle?
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| How Likely Is A Tsunami In England |
Don't Panic at the Disco (or the Beach)
Here's the good news: the chances of a monstrous wave wreaking havoc on the English coast are about as likely as spotting a unicorn sipping tea with the Queen. England sits snuggly in the middle of a tectonic plate, meaning the earth shakers that cause most tsunamis are a world away.
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However, like that time Aunt Mildred dyed her hair a questionable shade of purple, there are a few exceptions. England has a history with two not-so-memorable tsunamis, both caused by landslides rather than earthquakes. The most recent one was so long ago (around 8200 years) that your pet goldfish has probably seen more action.
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But What About That "Mega Tsunami" I Heard About?
Hold on there, drama queen. There have been some murmurs about a potential "mega tsunami" caused by a volcanic collapse. While it's true that geologists like to explore all sorts of fascinating (and sometimes terrifying) possibilities, this is a super rare event, and even then, the impact on England wouldn't be as dramatic as some headlines might suggest.
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Tsunamis: Less Likely Than Finding a Decent Cuppa After 5 pm
So, can you ditch the tsunami worry list? Pretty much. England is far more likely to be invaded by a flock of over-enthusiastic pigeons than a tsunami.
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That being said, it's always good to be prepared for anything, even a rogue wave (or a pigeon attack). The British Geological Survey has some great resources on how to stay safe in case of any coastal hazards https://www.bgs.ac.uk/geology-projects/shallow-geohazards/tsunamis/.
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How To Tsunami-Proof Your Next Trip to the Beach (Just in Case)
How to Know When a Tsunami is Coming: Keep an eye out for natural signs like a sudden rise in sea level or the ocean retreating rapidly. If you see either, head for higher ground immediately!
How to Find Higher Ground: Don't waste time looking for the world's tallest sandcastle. Look for inland areas that are well above sea level.
How to Evacuate Safely: Follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid crowded areas. Remember, running is good, but trampling fellow beachgoers is not.
How to Help Others: Once you're safe, check on others who might need assistance, especially those who may not be mobile.
How to Prepare a Tsunami Kit (Just in Case You REALLY Need To): While a full-blown tsunami kit might be a bit OTT, having some basic supplies like water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit is always a good idea for any emergency.
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