"Chipiona assumes that its citizens will have about an hour between an earthquake and a tsunami. Information boards explain what a tsunami is and what to do if one is coming."
"In the early days, other mayors in our province were not in favour of talking about tsunamis, because we are tourist municipalities. But I was able to convince them that we could achieve more tourism through greater safety."
"Evacuation routes are marked. Sirens are installed. And each November, at the hour that the huge Lisbon earthquake struck in 1755, schoolchildren calmly walk designated routes inland in a town-wide drill."
Southern Spain, particularly the Costa del Sol, is situated near a tectonic fault system that causes frequent, often unnoticed earthquakes. A recent tremor off Fuengirola reminded residents of this seismic activity. In contrast, Chipiona, a town west of Malaga, actively prepares for potential tsunamis, with information boards, marked evacuation routes, and regular drills for citizens. The mayor emphasizes the importance of safety in promoting tourism, showcasing a proactive approach to natural disaster preparedness in a tourist-heavy region.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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