November 15, 2006

an expert in hazard research comments on Japanese tsunami warning

Following an earthquake off the east coast of Japan, a 2m tsunami was predicted by country’s meteorological agency, however the resultant wave was only 40cm.

Prof Bill McGuire, Director of the Benfield Hazard Research Centre, said:

“Large, submarine earthquakes always have the potential to generate destructive tsunamis.

“Whether they actually do or not depends on a range of geological factors. This time, it looks as if they have only managed to conspire to produce some very small waves, so damage should be minimal.”