On the western coast of Nicaragua, a significant geological event unfolded with a magnitude of 7.7 Mw, which led to substantial repercussions for the region. The earthquake was categorized as a tsunami earthquake, which is notable because it displayed a large discrepancy between the local magnitude (Ms) and the moment magnitude (Mw) of half a unit. This disparity is critical as it influences the seismic characteristics and the resulting impact on the ocean floor, ultimately contributing to the generation of a tsunami. The local communities experienced the earth shake violently, followed by rapid inundation from the tsunami that struck soon after.

The tsunami reached typical runup heights ranging from 3 to 8 meters, equivalent to approximately 9.8 to 26.2 feet. This height proved catastrophic for coastal settlements, as many structures were not designed to withstand such forces of nature. Local inhabitants found themselves unprepared for the devastating consequences of both the earthquake and the tsunami, exacerbating the situation. The primary areas affected were along the Pacific coast, where the local economy and infrastructure had to contend with immense destruction.

The official death toll reported at least 116 individuals, with thousands more impacted by injuries, displacement, and loss of property. Alongside these immediate casualties, many additional lives were affected by the subsequent challenges related to recovery and rebuilding efforts. The identification of this event as a 'tsunami earthquake' raised further interest in understanding similar geological activities and their potential consequences.