This is the moment the coastal water level in Sicily drops like pulling a plug in a bath due to a tsunami taking place at sea.
The phenomenon, also known as a meteorological tsunami, was filmed at the port of San Leone in the southern Italian island of Sicily.
Meteotsunamis are generated when rapid changes in barometric pressure cause the displacement of a body of water.
Known locally as a ‘marrobbio’, the video footage shows the water level at the port decreasing quickly.
Local media said that the stones on the seabed and the bottom of boats were visible.
According to the environmental group Mareamico who posted the clip on social media, the “marrobbio” phenomenon often takes place in spring and autumn, but it was the first time it had been seen off the coast of Agrigento.
A Mareamico spokesperson told Newsflash: “A marrobbio is a natural phenomenon that usually takes place off the coast when there is a sudden change in pressure and currents.
“In the past few days, there have been strong currents that have suddenly changed direction to the west.
“The sea level reduces like this after an earthquake or before a tsunami, but Sicily has not reported any incidents of these off the coast in recent days.”
According to local media, the phenomenon was also reported in other parts of Sicily as well as the Pelagie Islands and the sea level returned to normal after a short period of time.
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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