Meteotsunami hits Croatian coast: Mali Lošinj flooded within minutes

What is a meteotsunami?

The phenomenon in question is a so-called "meteotsunami." For one to occur, precisely the right conditions are needed. This happens when air pressure fluctuations meet ocean waves traveling at the same speed – and so, usually in combination with wind, the sea level essentially builds up. The flood in Mali Lošinj was preceded by a short thunderstorm with wind and rain.

On Monday, July 20, 2026, areas near the sea in the Croatian holiday town of Mali Lošinj were underwater within a very short time. Similar phenomena also occurred in other holiday resorts such as Pula and Starigrad-Paklenica. There, it was powerful waves washing against the coast.

The water receded soon after and normality returned to the popular holiday resorts. In the present case, however, nothing is known (yet) – that is, no major damage or injuries – as the available reports indicate. Residents and guests were able to re-enter the flooded areas after a short time.

Other affected locations along the Adriatic

Meteotsunamis can hardly be predicted and often appear out of nowhere. Sometimes they leave behind major damage and destruction. In the current case, however, the consequences apparently remained limited: the masses of water withdrew after a short time, and everyday life along the Croatian Adriatic coast quickly returned to normal.

Difficult to predict, rarely dangerous

The affected region along the Adriatic has long been a popular travel destination. Mali Lošinj lies on the island of the same name in the Kvarner Archipelago and attracts numerous bathers and sailors in summer. Pula in southern Istria and Starigrad-Paklenica at the foot of the Velebit mountains are also among the classic holiday resorts on the Croatian coast.

Experts have been observing the phenomenon of meteotsunamis with growing attention for years. Unlike a tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake, a meteotsunami is caused by atmospheric processes, but can occur just as suddenly and violently. Forecasting requires special weather and ocean data that are not available everywhere in real time.