Local News

North Devon under tsunami threat

In a forum on Saturday experts warned that a freak wave, or tsunami, could engulf North Devon and parts of Wales at any time, prompting celebrations on the south coast.

The last time this happened was in 1607, exactly 400 years ago, when an estimated 200 square miles of land was devistated, causing around 2000 deaths.

Scientists and experts agree it could happen again at any time as the extreme tidal forces thought to contribute are estimated to occur about every 4.5 years and are next expected on 20 March 2007.

On a lighter note, more than 80% of the total losses would occur in the cities of Bristol, Cardiff and Gloucester, with the remaining losses along the south-western coast of Wales and around Barnstaple in Devon. No big losses there then.

Bring wellies.

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