Authorities test nationwide alert tool against tsunami risk in southern France

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – French authorities tested a massive tsunami alert in its southern regions on Friday, local media reported.

A wide-extent test was done via the FR-Alert tool, and residents and travelers across southern France received loud sound and written notifications on their phones, broadcaster BFMTV said.

The test aimed to raise awareness of tsunami risks, although a tsunami is not expected in Mediterranean France sooner than the 2050s, according to a UNESCO research in 2022.

Authorities also aimed to test the FR-Alert system for possible cases.

After becoming compulsory in the EU, the system went live in France in June 2023. It does not require downloading any mobile apps, is based on cell broadcast, and can be triggered by competent local authorities.