A sudden surge of water flooded the beach in Mali Lošinj within seconds, prompting residents and visitors to flee from cafes and restaurants. The incident occurred early Monday morning, triggered by unstable weather conditions affecting the northern Adriatic. According to reports, sea levels rose approximately 30 centimeters above normal, inundating the shoreline and causing panic among locals and tourists. Witnesses described how the water surged unexpectedly, forcing people to evacuate quickly while staff hurriedly moved tables and other equipment. The phenomenon, known locally as a "meteotsunami," is linked to rapid atmospheric pressure changes and strong winds associated with storm systems. This type of event has been observed multiple times recently along the Adriatic coast, including in locations such as Pula, Zadar, and the historic town of St. Petersburg on Hvar. On Monday, similar occurrences were reported in parts of Istria, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar, and even the northernmost reaches of Dalmatia. Local meteorological networks recorded heavy rainfall, particularly in Gorski Kotar, with up to ten liters of rain per square meter measured at the meteorological station in Pula. Residents of Mali Lošinj recounted the scene as one of confusion and urgency. One witness told Jutarnji list that after a brief period of calm following light rain and wind, the sea suddenly rose and flooded the beach. People rushed away, restaurant owners swiftly moved furniture, and a sense of panic took hold. The situation lasted around 15 minutes before the water receded significantly below its average level. Despite the alarming nature of the event, officials from the city of Mali Lošinj stated there were no reports of substantial material damage at this time. The Croatian State Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) issued a yellow alert for several regions, including the Kvarner area, western Istria, the Kvarneric region, the Velebit Channel, and Northern Dalmacia. The warning highlights potential hazardous weather conditions, including strong storms with thunderstorms and gusty winds. These alerts emphasize the need for vigilance, especially given the possibility of flying debris due to high winds and further instances of severe weather. Similar incidents have been documented in recent days, with notable occurrences on July 16th when sea level fluctuations affected parts of the central and northern Adriatic. In those cases, water levels fluctuated dramatically, rising over 30 centimeters and then falling nearly 60 centimeters below normal, in areas such as Pula and Zadar. Such phenomena, referred to as “šćiga” or “seš,” are common in the region and typically result from abrupt shifts in air pressure and wind patterns that create temporary waves in enclosed bays and harbors. Meteorologists explain that these events differ from traditional tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes. Instead, they arise from atmospheric disturbances linked to storm systems. While generally not life-threatening, they can cause disruption and concern among coastal communities accustomed to such unpredictable weather patterns. Officials noted that such occurrences are not unusual and that local populations have become somewhat accustomed to them. As the day progressed, further weather developments were anticipated. Around noon, thunderstorms were reported across wider Sinj areas, while strong winds accompanied by lightning strikes were noted in Starigrad Paklenica. DHMZ forecasts indicate partly cloudy skies with variable cloud cover and unstable weather conditions, particularly along the Adriatic coast and surrounding areas. Temperatures remained moderate, ranging between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius in most regions, with higher readings recorded near coasts and islands.
4 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8515 hr. agoA sudden rise in sea level caused by a meteotsunami flooded the river in Mali Lošinj within seconds, prompting locals and guests to flee from cafes and restaurants. The event occurred after brief morning rain and calm, followed by a rapid increase in water levels by approximately 30 centimeters above normal. Witnesses described panic as people ran away and staff hurriedly moved tables. According to local authorities, there have been no reports of significant material damage. Similar occurrences were recorded last week along the Adriatic coast, including areas around Pula, Zadar, and Stari Grad on Hvar. Unstable weather conditions at the beginning of the week brought rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across Istria, Kvarner, and Gorski Kotar, with the State Hydrological Institute issuing a yellow warning for several regions due to potential new thunderstorm activity and strong winds.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a natural phenomenon—meteotsunami—with no evident ideological framing, biased language, or selective emphasis. It includes quotes from witnesses and local authorities, presenting both the event and its aftermath objectively.
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the primary source's content regarding the meteotsunami in Mali Lošinj, the eyewitness account, and the impact on the town. It includes specific details about the rise in sea level and the subsequent withdrawal of water. The article also references previous occurrence
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, providing factual information without overtly emotional language. It includes direct quotes from witnesses and officials, ensuring a balanced perspective. The only minor deviation is the inclusion of a statement from the city's spokesperson, which was
Index.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8515 hr. agoA meteorological tsunami, known locally as 'šćiga,' struck parts of the northern Adriatic, including Mali Lošinj, causing a sudden rise in sea level by 30 centimeters. The event lasted around 15 minutes and led to panic among residents, with people fleeing and restaurant owners moving tables. The phenomenon was caused by rapid changes in air pressure and strong winds associated with a storm system. The sea level then dropped significantly below average, creating a noticeable recession. Similar weather conditions affected areas such as Istria, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar, and parts of northern Dalmatia, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reported. The Croatian Meteorological Institute issued yellow warnings for several regions due to unstable weather conditions.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a natural weather-related event, specifically a meteorological tsunami, which is a scientific phenomenon rather than a politically charged issue. It provides factual information about the occurrence, effects, and causes of the event without showing any ideological bias or slan
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the weather conditions described in the primary source, including the storm system affecting northern Adriatic regions, rainfall measurements from Crometeo network, and the meteotsunami in Mali Lošinj. It includes direct quotes from witnesses and provides context about
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while describing the events, though it does include some emotionally charged descriptions like 'panika' (panic) and 'ljudi su bježali' (people fled). However, these are based on witness accounts rather than editorializing. The article also provides bac
Telegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8016 hr. agoA video report describes a sudden meteotsunami that flooded the Riviera of Mali Losinj, causing panic among guests and staff at local restaurants and cafes. The event occurred early Monday morning after brief bad weather, with the sea rapidly rising and overflowing onto the shore, submerging parts of the restaurant area. Witnesses described people fleeing in panic while staff moved tables and equipment. Officials from Mali Losinj reported no information yet on potential material damage but noted such occurrences are not unusual after bad weather. Similar phenomena were recorded earlier in July along the northern and central Adriatic, including areas like Pula, Zadar, and Hvar. The article explains that this phenomenon, known as 'šćiga' or 'seš,' occurs due to rapid atmospheric pressure changes leading to quick fluctuations in sea levels, particularly in enclosed bays. Meteorological data indicates heavy rainfall in the Gorski Kotar region, while the Pula weather station recorded ten liters of rain per square meter. A yellow weather warning was issued for the Kvarner area and surrounding regions, cautioning against strong storms, lightning strikes, and possible stronger thunderstorm
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a natural weather event without overt ideological framing. It provides objective descriptions of the incident, quotes witnesses and officials neutrally, and includes scientific explanations of the phenomenon. While the event has implications for local safety
Why factuality (95): The article closely follows the details from the primary source, including the description of the meteotsunami in Mali Lošinj, the eyewitness account, and the impact on the town. It accurately reports the rise in sea level by 30 cm and the subsequent withdrawal of water. The article also references
Why objectivity (80): The article remains largely objective in presenting the facts but uses emotionally charged language such as 'gosti bježali u panici' (guests fleeing in panic) and 'nastala je panika' (panic ensued), which could be seen as amplifying the drama of the situation. These phrases are based on witness stat
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8016 hr. agoAn unusual weather phenomenon known as a 'meteotsunami' has been reported along the Adriatic coast, particularly affecting the area around Mali Lošinj. The event occurred after a storm system developed over the northern Adriatic, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sudden drops in temperature. Local residents described the sea level rising by 30 cm within 15 minutes, flooding parts of the coastal areas. Meteorological data from the network Crometeo showed significant rainfall in the Gorski Kotar region, with some locations recording up to 10 liters of rain per square meter. The National Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) issued yellow warnings for several regions including Gospićka, Kninska, Riječka, Split, Dubrovacka, Western Istrian Coast, Kvarner, Velebit Channel, and Northern Dalmacia. The phenomenon, explained as a result of rapid atmospheric pressure changes linked to storm systems, is common in the Dalmatian coast but still causes concern among local communities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual meteorological information without overt ideological slant. It explains the natural occurrence of meteotsunamis, references scientific explanations from meteorologists, and reports on the impact without taking sides. While the subject matter relates to environmental and灾
Why factuality (90): The article accurately captures the main points from the primary source, including the storm system, rainfall data, and the meteotsunami in Mali Lošinj. It references the Crometeo network and mentions the temperature drop. However, it adds additional information about DHMZ forecasts and the definiti
Why objectivity (80): The article presents the facts neutrally but leans slightly toward emphasizing the dramatic nature of the event through phrases like 'donijelo kaos na Jadranu' (brought chaos to the Adriatic). While informative, this phrasing introduces a slight bias toward dramatization.
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