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How would a Cadiz Tsunami look? Douro estuary waves.
Credit: Zacarias da Mata – Shutterstock
On Thursday, November 20th, Cadiz will become the epicenter of Response25 – Spain’s largest civil emergency drill to date. Over 20,000 participants, including firefighters, students, hotel staff and residents, will be involved in a carefully planned simulation of an earthquake tsunami.
The Junta de Andalucia coordinated the drill to test and evaluate the newly implemented tsunami emergency plans in the region, as well as the level of preparedness for one the most dangerous natural hazards that threaten coastal Spain.
Cadiz, Spain hosts its largest-ever tsunami drill on November 20
The scenario starts at 10am with a simulated 7.6 magnitude earthquake that strikes southwest of Cape St. Vincent. It mirrors the tectonics of the 1755 Lisbon tragedy. In just a few minutes, the national ES-Alert system Warnings will be broadcast to every mobile in the affected zone, while church bells and public loudspeakers as well as digital signs will direct residents to safety. A dedicated SMS and chat system will for the first time reach people who are deaf to ensure that everyone receives the message during crisis communication.
Conil is a luxury resort located in the heart of the Costa del Sol. evacuation drills Real-time testing will take place. The horizontal and vertical routes of evacuation will be tested. Over 1,000 emergency responders, including Civil Protection unitsThe National Police will use ambulances, boats for rescue, and helicopters in order to simulate search-andrescue operations on flooded streets.
7.6-magnitude quake scenario: How the Cádiz tsunami drill unfolds at 10am
The exercises draws on advanced tsunami flood models developed by the Spanish Geographical Institute (IGN) and the University of Málaga. These maps pinpoint flood depths, arrival time, and safe zones in unprecedented detail. In Cádiz city, where the old town’s narrow streets could become death traps, the drill will measure how quickly 5,000 residents can reach designated assembly points.
Businesses on the Costa de la Luz have been fully involved. Hotels will evacuate customers, restaurants keep perishables safe, and cultural venues like the Roman Theatre at Baelo Claudia practice heritage protection protocols. The day will be used by schools across the province to teach disaster preparedness.
Cádiz old town evacuation challenge: Can 5,000 residents escape in time?
Response25 is the culmination three years of planning in the European Tsunami Mitigation Program. The psychological and logistics realism are absolute, even if no real waves crash onto the shores (we hope). “People must feel the urgency,” said Colonel Ana López Military Emergency Unit. “Muscle memory can save lives.”
As November 20 approaches, the excitement in the Province of Cadiz is buzzing with preparation – and a quiet confidence. If the Atlantic ever rises again, Andalucía intends to be ready.
