Some residents of the department took very seriously a message published by the prefecture on Tuesday on social networks, which urged them to evacuate the shores because of a risk of tsunami when it was only an exercise. .
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A tsunami red alert in the Var department broadcast on social networks by the prefecture early Tuesday afternoon, created a wave of panic. It was actually an exercise. The post was quickly corrected, but some locals took it very seriously.
>> We explain to you why the risk of a tsunami occurring in the Mediterranean within thirty years is “close to 100%”
This message published in particular on Facebook on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. encouraged residents to evacuate the shores more than 200 m from the coast: “Reach a high point immediately on foot or climb to the floor of your house more than three meters high”it was indicated.
“Sorry for the emotion”
The prefecture apologized on the social network: “Sorry for the emotion, but congratulations for your reactivity”, she commented. Some residents were very responsive as evidenced by the messages under the publication of the prefecture today crossed out with an exercise banner: “I went up to the attic for nothing” Or “We went up to the roof of the villa”…
The risk of tsunami does exist in the Mediterranean. Twenty years ago, an earthquake in Algeria caused one, affecting the Côte d’Azur and damaging boats.