Japan opts for massive, costly sea wall to fend off tsunamis

Four years after a towering tsunami ravaged much of Japan's northeastern coast, efforts to fend off future disasters are focusing on a nearly 400-kilometer (250-mile) chain of cement sea walls, at places nearly five stories ...

Surf's up: Big waves pound US West Coast

Huge surf was battering the US West Coast on Friday, with forecasters warning of more danger ahead after a rogue wave swept pedestrians off their feet and swamped a hotel.

Japan experts warn of future risk of giant tsunami

(AP) -- Much of Japan's Pacific coast could be inundated by a tsunami more than 34 meters (112 feet) high if a powerful earthquake hits offshore, according to revised estimates by a government panel.

France's crumbling sea walls no match for ocean

(AP) -- The moon was full, the wind roared, the tide was high and people died by the dozens. After a wall of ocean water engulfed picturesque towns along France's Atlantic coast, residents, officials and experts are all ...

'Great wall of Jakarta' plan to combat floods

Jakarta has launched a multi-billion-dollar scheme to build a huge sea wall to combat flooding as the Indonesian capital sinks, but there is scepticism about its chances of success in a country with a history of corruption ...

Facing climate change, cities trade sea walls for parks

To protect itself from a devastating flood, Boston was considering building a massive sea wall, cutting north to south through nearly four miles of Boston Harbor, taking $11 billion and at least 30 years to build. But a new ...

Effects of flooding on Cairo, Ill.

When faced with a choice between a deluge or a controlled deluge in May 2011 that would protect the city of Cairo, Illinois, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers chose the latter by ordering an intentional breach of the Mississippi ...

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