Deadly Tsunamis- Carly Grandizio

Lisbon Earthquake (Portugal)

Nov 1, 1755

It is estimated that this earthquake had a magnitude of about 8.5-9. Approximately 10,000 people perished from both drowning and the resulting fires. These fires as well as the tsunami almost totally destroyed Lisbon.

Krakatoa Eruption (Java/Sumatra)

Aug 26, 1883

The magnitude was a VEI 6 (Volcanic Explosivity Index) and about 36,417 deaths were recorded from this disaster as well as from the tsunamis it created. Over 70% of the island, which is now Indonesia, as well as its surrounding archipelago were destroyed.

Aleutian Earthquake (Alaska)

Apr 1, 1946

The moment magnitude of the Aleutian earthquake was 8.6, and about 173 casualties resulted from the earthquake and the resulting tsunami. Waves were reported at 500 MPH and at 55 feet high. The wave reached Hilo, Hawaii 4.9 hours later were more damage resulted. 163 people were injured and 488 buildings were completely demolished.

Great Chilean Earthquake (Chile)

May 23, 1960

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded had a moment magnitude of 9.4-9.6, lasted 10 minutes, and while the exact number of fatalities is uncertain, it is estimated to be between 1,000 and 7,000. At their peak, tsunami waves were recorded at 82 feet tall.

Good Friday Earthquake (Alaska)

Mar 27, 1964

This earthquake, considered to be one of the most powerful in North American history, had a magnitude of 9.2 and caused about 139 deaths. Areas all across Alaska suffered terrible damage due to inadequately built homes and buildings. A tsunami with 27 foot waves completely destroyed the village of Chenega, killing 23/68 residents.

Hokkaido Earthquake (Japan)

Jul 12, 1993

This earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and caused about 230 casualties. The tsunami ripped through all defense mechanisms which led to a complete overhaul of tsunami defense strategies including escape routes from homes and emergency equipment.

Papua New Guinea Quake (Papua New Guinea)

Jul 17, 1998

Between 2183 and 2700 people were killed in this 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The tsunami itself killed about 2,200 people with thousands injured and homeless and an additional 500 missing.

Sumatra Earthquake (Indonesia)

Dec 26, 2004

This earthquake is considered one of the deadliest disasters in history, and it had a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 and killed about 227,898 people. Tsunami waves were approximately 100 feet tall. It caused the planet to vibrate as much as 1 cm and triggered earthquakes in places as far away as Alaska.

Samoa Earthquake (Samoan Islands)

Sep 29, 2009

This earthquake had a magnitude recorded at 8.1 and killed more than 189 people. Waves from the tsunami were reported at 46 feet high and reached the coasts of Fiji and New Zealand, though they caused no damage.

Chile Earthquake (Chile)

Feb 27, 2010

This earthquake in Chile had a magnitude of 8.8 and 525 people lost their lives. 93% of the population lost total power for several days. The earthquake triggered a tsunami and a tsunami warning was issued in 53 different countries.

Tohoku Earthquake (Japan)

Mar 11, 2011

This earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0-9.1 and confirmed 15,896 deaths. In 2015, 4 years after the earthquake, 228,863, people were still living in temporary housing due to damages from the disaster (many of these people are in permanent relocation). The tsunami caused nuclear accidents and damage costs were estimated at $235 billion USD.