The Netflix series La Palma has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of a family vacation to the Canary Islands turned catastrophic when the volcanic Cumbre Vieja erupts, triggering a “megatsunami” capable of devastating Europe and reaching the U.S. west coast. While the series has thrilled viewers, its dramatic premise raises questions about the portrayal of scientific accuracy in popular media.
Cumbre Vieja, an active volcano on the island of La Palma, last erupted in 2021, an event that caused significant local devastation but no transatlantic tsunamis. The series draws on a 2001 hypothesis proposed by Simon Day and Steven Ward, suggesting a massive landslide from a volcanic eruption could generate waves up to 25 meters high, sweeping across the Atlantic. Though visually spectacular, this theory has since been debunked by more recent scientific research.
Modern studies show that large-scale volcanic collapses occur in smaller, staggered events rather than a single, catastrophic slide. Computer models and geological evidence indicate that a tsunami caused by such an event would produce waves akin to a storm surge, reaching a height of one to two meters, not the apocalyptic scenario depicted in La Palma. Furthermore, no evidence of past “megatsunami” deposits has been found in the Americas, contradicting the series’ premise.
While “megatsunami” scenarios make for dramatic storytelling, volcanologists and disaster communication experts caution against the misinformation they spread. During the 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja, fears fueled by such theories led to public panic, prompting official statements from the U.S. Geological Survey to dispel these myths.
The real challenges faced by La Palma residents were far from cinematic. Thousands lost homes, livelihoods, and access to properties as lava engulfed entire neighborhoods. Tourism, a critical pillar of the local economy, plummeted to a third of pre-pandemic levels. For these communities, combating misinformation is as vital as rebuilding their lives.
Disaster stories like La Palma are part of a growing genre that combines human drama with grand spectacles of devastation. Film critic David Thomson, in his book Disaster Mon Amour, notes the genre’s aim to blend awe-inspiring visuals with intimate human experiences. However, when fiction takes liberties with science, it can distort public understanding of real risks.
Volcanologists warn that dramatized scenarios divert attention from credible threats, such as localized tsunamis, which pose significant risks to communities worldwide. During crises, experts must focus their limited resources on public safety rather than debunking misinformation.
With its vast global audience, Netflix holds a unique opportunity to inform as well as entertain. Collaboration with scientists could help ensure that future disaster narratives strike a balance between compelling storytelling and accurate representation of risks. By doing so, creators can empower audiences with knowledge, enabling better preparedness for real-world challenges.
As viewers immerse themselves in gripping tales like La Palma, it’s essential to distinguish between cinematic fiction and scientific fact. While the prospect of a “megatsunami” may send shivers down the spine, the true power lies in understanding and addressing the real risks posed by our ever-changing planet.
