Is there a strong link between SUVs and tsunamis?

Programme reveals real threat of tsunamis to coast

“They have caused damage and loss of life in the past and pose a future threat, particularly as a consequence of climate change.”

The programme features research carried out by Prof Haslett and Australian tsunami expert Prof Ted Bryant.

They reveal that the local area regularly experiences earthquakes, such as the 4.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Folkestone in April 2007. When these earthquakes have occurred in the past with a higher magnitude, eyewitnesses describe what could be interpreted as tsunamis.

Prof Haslett, director of the newly established Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at Newport University, said: “Among other examples of Dover Straits tsunamis is the one in May 1382, when a 5.75 magnitude earthquake struck that as well as causing churches to collapse on land, generated waves that damaged ships in port and led contemporary writers to describe the event as a watershake or waterquake.

“Later in April 1580, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred with its epicentre on the seabed close to Calais. Giant waves were reported at the time and hundreds of people were killed when ships were sunk by the waves and the low-lying coastal land around Calais was inundated by the sea.”

The research examines 21 events to hit Britain over the past 1,000 years.