Tsunami would wipe out New York, Miami and hit England if landslide takes place in Spain, researcher claims

A MEGA-TSUNAMI could destroy New York and Miami if a landslide takes place in Spain.

Researcher Dr Simon Day has predicted waves of up to 25 metres if there is a landslide in the Canary Islands.

The UK’s southwestern shoreline would also be battered by three metre waves if a landslide triggered on the Spanish archipelago, according to Day’s report.

A researcher at UCL university in London, Day first raised his theory 15 years ago but was mocked by fellow researchers.

However, his findings are now being taken more seriously after four large tsunamis acorss the world since he published his report.

He said: “It’s been fifteen years of controversy. There was a series of objections. But independent modelling has shown the same things as me.

“My response is it’s better to know so we can prepare.”

A spokesman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said: “The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2009 Samoa tsunami, the 2010 Chile tsunami, the 2011 Tohoku (Japan) tsunami: In less than 10 years, these four events focused the world’s attention on the rare but very real threat of tsunamis.

“Major tsunamis do not happen often, but when they do, they can have a significant impact on life and property. Even small tsunamis, which are more frequent, can cause loss of life, injuries and considerable damage.”