The decision by local councils to close bathing areas in both Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura comes as a safety precaution against abrupt fluctuations in sea level. Unlike traditional tsunamis, a meteotsunami is driven entirely by atmospheric events rather than seismic activity. The resulting sudden shifts in the waterline can create severe rip currents, pose risks to swimmers, and create difficult conditions for moorings and small vessels.
According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), these atmospheric gravity waves are not unprecedented in the area and are catalogued through Aemet Sinobas as a rare maritime phenomenon. Similar events were recorded earlier in the week affecting beaches in Santa Pola and Javea. Aemet also noted a previous incident on 23rd July 2017, when four sudden rises in sea level were reported across Torrevieja, Elche Marina, Santa Pola, and El Campello.
