The sea flooded Mali Lošinj in a matter of seconds: "People fled, panic set in"

A sudden surge of seawater flooded parts of Mali Lošinj early Monday morning, causing panic among residents and visitors. The phenomenon, known as a meteotsunami, occurred within seconds and raised sea levels by approximately 30 centimeters before receding just as quickly. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as locals fled and businesses scrambled to protect their premises from the unexpected flood. The incident took place shortly after a brief morning storm, during which wind and rain were reported. According to one eyewitness, the calm was abruptly broken when the sea level rose dramatically in a matter of seconds. "We had just sat down for coffee when the sea suddenly surged and flooded the entire coastline. People ran, tables were moved, and there was panic," the witness told the newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija. Local officials have yet to confirm any damage caused by the event, though they noted that such occurrences are not uncommon following storms. Martina Krajina Mršo, a press representative for the town of Mali Lošinj, stated that residents have become accustomed to these phenomena. "People are used to this kind of thing happening after storms," she said. Similar incidents were recorded last week along several areas of the northern Adriatic, particularly in central regions. In the coastal town of Pula, the sea level also rose unexpectedly, flooding parts of the shoreline. Similar meteorological conditions were observed in lower-lying areas of Zadar. Later in the evening, the same phenomenon affected the old town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, where the sea level increased by over 30 centimeters before dropping sharply by around 60 centimeters below normal levels. This sudden drop left many boats stranded on land. Meteotsunamis are abrupt changes in sea level caused not by earthquakes but by rapid shifts in air pressure and strong gusts of wind associated with thunderstorm systems. These conditions can generate waves that intensify in narrow bays and harbors. As a result, sea levels can rise significantly within minutes, flooding coastal areas before rapidly retreating. While not unheard of in the northern Adriatic, such events are frequently referred to as "šćiga" in Croatia. The occurrence of meteotsunamis is linked to specific atmospheric conditions that create instability in the water's surface. These conditions often follow severe weather patterns, including sudden drops in air pressure and powerful wind surges. In some cases, the resulting wave action can cause temporary flooding in low-lying coastal zones, even if the overall impact is relatively minor compared to tsunamis triggered by seismic activity. Residents and local authorities in affected areas remain vigilant, aware that while these events are not rare, they can still catch unprepared individuals off guard. With climate change potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, understanding and preparing for such phenomena has become increasingly important for coastal communities. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and assess potential risks, ensuring that emergency protocols are in place should similar events occur again.