Cannes Prepares for a Tsunami

Is the Riviera town over-reacting?

Cannes—the city best known for its film stars and red carpets—often feels like the epitome of calm and relaxation. It is nonetheless a frequent victim of storms and is also prepared for a threat from the sea as the Riviera city runs full-scale tsunami preparedness drills to prepare for potential catastrophes. The latest was held on a typically mild day. The sun was glittering across the bay when groups of volunteer schoolchildren heard an urgent message blaring from loudspeakers: "Tsunami alert, evacuate the seaside immediately."

It surprised passers-by, but the children knew what to do and started running towards the nearest refuge points, following green and white signs posted throughout the city. The signs led to a network of 21 refuge points that helped Cannes become the first city in mainland France to be awarded UNESCO’s "Tsunami Ready" distinction.

Is Cannes over-reacting?

But some people ask if this is not an over-reaction. It might seem improbable to outsiders, but the Côte d'Azur is indeed at risk. While there hasn’t been a major tsunami in decades, history urges caution. In 1979, an unexpected tsunami near Nice airport flooded districts of Cannes and Antibes, with tragic consequences. Beach restaurants are also occasionally wiped away in storms.

Today, city authorities and civil protection volunteers are determined not to repeat the past. In a real tsunami event, residents would receive warnings via text and sirens—loud and in multiple languages, thanks to the new FR-Alert system. Specific groups, such as the many restaurant owners along the beach, have also received training. As Bernardo Aliaga, head of UNESCO’s tsunami programme, noted: “Training saves lives.”

(Michael Leahy. Source: Cannes or Bust. Photo: Jacques Gumbau)