Professor Benjamin Horton Shares Expert Insights in SCMP Explainer on Tsunami Risk

Professor Benjamin Horton, Chair Professor of Earth Science and Dean of the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), recently contributed his expert insights to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) explainer discussing Hong Kong’s vulnerability to tsunami threats following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

While the article concluded that Hong Kong is generally safe from tsunamis, Prof. Horton highlighted that the city’s coastline could still be at risk under specific conditions – particularly if a high-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean coincides with high tide. He also emphasized that rising sea levels, driven by climate change, could intensify the impact of such rare events.

“Many Hongkongers enjoy travelling to Japan and should remain cautious about tsunamis when they are there,” Prof. Horton advised. He stressed the importance of seeking higher ground during a tsunami and warned that the first wave is not always the most dangerous. “The second wave or the third wave may be the largest, and those waves commonly take, or may take several minutes to an hour, maybe more than an hour, to reach the coastline,” he said.

Prof. Horton’s contribution reflects SEE’s ongoing commitment to public education and climate resilience. His expertise continues to inform both local and international audiences about the risks posed by natural disasters in a changing climate.

For the full article, please refer to the original SCMP publication (Link).