The Lituya Bay megatsunami occurred following a powerful 7.8 Mw strike-slip earthquake in Alaska that unleashed an enormous landslide into the bay. This geological disturbance generated waves that surged dramatically, achieving a runup record of 525 meters (1,722 feet) on the shore of Lituya Bay. On the evening of the event, local residents and travelers were shocked as their surroundings transformed violently, with rapidly escalating waters threatening life and property. The earthquake's epicenter occurred off the coast, triggering the landslide which was significant enough to cause such a massive displacement of water.

The landslide not only devastated the immediate area, but its effects rippled through the sparse communities surrounding Lituya Bay. Boats in the water were tossed about violently, while coastal areas were inundated by the waves that followed. Despite the remote location and low population, the loss of five lives marked a profound tragedy amidst this geological spectacle. Scientific investigations into the event revealed the mechanisms behind the tsunami formation, highlighting the risk potential of similar occurrences in seismic regions.

Moreover, this event underscored the need for better understanding and forecasting of such natural disasters. In the years following the megatsunami, researchers studied the incident, contributing significantly to the fields of geology and tsunami research. The collaborative efforts that emerged from the investigation into the events of Lituya Bay provided invaluable insights, influencing emergency preparedness and risk assessment protocols in coastal communities exposed to similar geological threats.