ROME, FEBRUARY 06 – Based on the data processed by the Tsunami Alert Center (Cat) of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Ingv), the Civil Protection Department has issued an alert for possible tsunami waves arriving on the Italian coasts in following the earthquake of magnitude 7.9 with its epicenter between Turkey and Syria at 2:17. In a statement, the Civil Protection “recommends moving away from the coastal areas, reaching the higher nearby area and following the instructions of the local authorities”. “The tsunami – explains the note from the Civil Protection – consists of a series of sea waves produced by the rapid displacement of a large mass of water. The alert indicates the possibility of a real danger to people near the coast, especially if in areas not very high, or even lower, than sea level. Even a wave of only 0.5 meters in height – the press release underlines – can generate dangerous floods and very strong currents. The Civil Protection Department, in conjunction with Ingv, the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) and the structures of the National Civil Protection Service (Snpc), will continue to provide all available updates on the evolution of the event”, concludes the note. (HANDLE).
(ANSA)