Mega-Tsunami

What would happen if a tsunami hit the east coast of North America - one even deadlier than the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and more destructive than the big wave that hit Japan in 2011? Using CGI simulations, scientists predict how a volcanic eruption could trigger the biggest wave ever. Could we survive a mega-tsunami? Where would it hit? How would we cope in the aftermath? Mega-Tsunami reveals that in the Atlantic there is, in fact, a ‘Big One’ waiting to happen.

According to scientists, the potential trigger is on one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, the Canary Islands. The Canary Island Volcano of La Palma erupted in 1971, and before that, in 1949, menaced the population and turned night into day with blazing rivers of molten lava. Ever since 1949, the peaceful island of La Palma has been a ticking time bomb. Some scientists believe that another eruption could send 500 cubic kilometres of the island crashing into the sea. The result could be a colossal landslide with enough energy to generate the biggest wave humanity has ever seen, unleashed not upon the Pacific, but the Atlantic. It could be the first mega-tsunami in recorded history.

Mega-Tsunami is the story of the scientific model of a volcanic collapse of La Palma, projected into the near future. Scientists predict that the giant tsunami could spread throughout the Atlantic Basin, devastating the coastlines of West Africa and Europe. They would then head north to Britain and then across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. In one scenario, in which North Americans would have just three to four hours' warning, scientists predict that such a wave could result in roughly four and a half million casualties.

Creatively weaving compelling scientific fact with dramatization and CGI simulations, this is the story of how some experts believe the greatest natural disaster in human history might one day unfold. Mega-Tsunami brings the reality of an unparalleled Atlantic tsunami to life.

Produced and directed by Martin Pupp, executive produced by Tina Fletcher. A BBC/Discovery Channel co-production in association with Vox.