Dramatic video footage has captured the moment the mini tidal wave swamped a tourist beach along the coast of the Netherlands.
The seven-foot wave lashed the shores of Zandvoort and Katwijk in Holland on Monday.
A meteotsunami is a rare weather phenomenon described as a tsunami-like wave, formed from rapid changes in barometric pressure.
Footage captured from a beachfront high-rise showed the enormous wall of water smash down parasols, beach chairs and boats standing in its path.
The man filming could be heard saying “tsunami” several times as he responded in shock to the unusual sight.
Meteotsunamis are so rare they were last recorded in the Netherlands in 2006 and 2004.
The weather event was caused by a big thunderstorm over the sea early in the morning.
Thankfully no one was injured but locals and tourists in the affected areas were shaken from the experience.
Milo Gerritsen, an assistant at the beach pavilion, told Dutch TV station NOS: “I was awakened by a very strong wind and saw that there were a few beach beds with the feet in the water.
“Within five minutes, the wind fully rotated and had driven all the seats loosely in the sea.”
“The water had so much force that I fell. I am very shocked.”
Meteotsunamis have also occurred on the shores of the UK.
