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VIDEO: 'Mini tsunami' shocks beachgoers in southern Spain 

The Local Spain
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VIDEO: 'Mini tsunami' shocks beachgoers in southern Spain 
Nobody was injured as a result of the phenomenon which, although displaying similar traits to a tsunami, cannot officially be classified as such.  Photo: El Pantera/Wikipedia (4.0)

Holidaymakers in the southern Spanish province of Cádiz were surprised by a sudden wave which in a matter of seconds engulfed the entire beach, dragging and drenching everything in its path. 

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Beachgoers at Valdelagrana beach in the city of Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz (Andalusia) got a scare on Saturday when a low-height wave engulfed the entire beach without prior warning. 

The phenomenon is referred to as a sneaker wave, a disproportionately large coastal wave which isn’t fully understood by scientists but which is believed to be a consequence of high tides during full moons. 

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Within a matter of seconds, the wave either drenched or dragged sun loungers, dustbins, parts of the wooden walkway and people’s belongings as beachgoers rushed away from the beach. 

As can be seen in the videos, despite the wave’s wide expanse and power, the water was only ankle high. 

Nobody was injured as a result of the phenomenon which, although displaying similar traits to a tsunami, cannot officially be classified as such. 

"We reiterate, for the peace of mind of all our residents and visitors who are enjoying the summer holidays in our city, what happened this afternoon on Valdelagrana beach is only a high tide, with the full moon making it reach its highest level", Puerto de Santa María authorities wrote in response to the bizarre event.

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