SIR - In the recent coverage of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster the Daily Mail highlighted a similar threat to the coastal cities of America and Europe, in particular that posed by an impending giant landslip in the Canary Islands.

Apparently the UK would be affected by such an event. Could the South-West be especially vulnerable? A glance at the map shows the south coast of Ireland is in a direct line with the epicentre.

Any surge of water in the St George's Channel would presumably by shared between the Irish Sea and the Bristol Channel. Could the towns of the Severn Valley then be endangered by a giant version of the Severn Bore?

Even though the size and location of the Canary's landslip is known, only a few precious hours of warning could be expected, assuming, of course, that a warning system was in place!

Is anyone out there doing the sums?

D H Hague Wotton Road Kingswood