Historical Events tagged with "tsunami"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Papua New Guinea Earthquake Triggers Devastating Tsunami

July 17th, 1998 26 years ago

A massive 7.0 Mw earthquake struck Papua New Guinea, triggering a devastating tsunami that obliterated ten villages along the northeast coast. This catastrophic event resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,700 people and left thousands more injured. The quake, originating from the tectonic plates in the region, not only caused immediate destruction but also highlighted the geological vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in Papua New Guinea.

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Natural Disasters

8.2 Mw Biak Earthquake and Tsunami in Indonesia

February 17th, 1996 29 years ago

A powerful 8.2 Mw earthquake struck the Biak region of Papua, Indonesia, triggering a devastating tsunami. The earthquake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII, categorized as severe, leading to significant destruction and displacement. The disaster left 166 people dead or missing and resulted in 423 injuries, highlighting the area's vulnerability to seismic activity.

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Natural Disasters

Massive Earthquake Strikes Mindoro Island

November 15th, 1994 30 years ago

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the central Philippine island of Mindoro, causing widespread devastation. The quake resulted in the loss of 78 lives and left 430 people injured. A remarkable aspect of this natural disaster was the tsunami that ensued, reaching heights of up to 8.5 meters (28 feet). The earthquake, concentrated near the town of Puerto Galera, impacted the local communities drastically and displaced numerous residents.

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Natural Disasters

Nicaragua Earthquake Triggers Devastating Tsunami

September 2nd, 1992 32 years ago

A 7.7 Mw earthquake struck the west coast of Nicaragua, resulting in a significant tsunami that caused extensive damage and loss of life. With runup heights averaging between 3 to 8 meters, the tsunami was particularly destructive. Reports indicate at least 116 fatalities as a direct result of the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami, highlighting the event's devastating impact on local communities.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Sea of Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

May 26th, 1983 41 years ago

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Sea of Japan, impacting northern Honshu with a Mercalli intensity of VIII, classified as severe. The quake triggered a destructive tsunami, leading to approximately 100 fatalities and extensive damage in coastal areas. The event highlighted the seismic risks in this region and the need for improved disaster preparedness measures. Rescue and recovery efforts were initiated immediately, showcasing the resilience and response capabilities of the affected communities.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Tumaco Earthquake and Tsunami Hits

December 12th, 1979 45 years ago

An undersea earthquake of 8.2 Mw struck near Tumaco, Colombia, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean. With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), the earthquake resulted in significant destruction, killing an estimated 300 to 600 people. The seismic event also generated a large tsunami that impacted coastal regions in both Colombia and Ecuador, displacing numerous residents and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activities and the need for better preparedness.

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Natural Disasters

Landslide on Iliwerung Volcano Triggers Tsunami

July 18th, 1979 45 years ago

A landslide occurred on the Iliwerung volcano in Indonesia, leading to a tsunami that devastated coastal areas. The event resulted in over 530 confirmed deaths and left approximately 700 individuals missing. The combination of volcanic activity and geographical features created conditions ripe for the tsunami, affecting several nearby communities. Rescue operations were launched to assist those affected and search for survivors.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Earthquake and Tsunami in Mindanao

August 17th, 1976 48 years ago

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, leading to catastrophic consequences. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that swept through coastal communities, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread devastation. Estimates suggest between 5,000 and 8,000 victims perished, while over 90,000 people were left homeless due to the destruction of homes and infrastructure.

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Natural Disasters

Alaska's Record-Breaking Good Friday Earthquake

March 27th, 1964 60 years ago

On March 27, 1964, Southcentral Alaska was rocked by a massive earthquake measuring 9.2 on the moment magnitude scale. Lasting approximately 4.5 to 5 minutes, it caused significant destruction, primarily in Anchorage, where many buildings and homes were severely damaged. This seismic event resulted in 125 fatalities and prompted a tsunami that affected coastal areas. The quake not only reshaped the landscape but also brought changes to engineering standards and disaster preparedness in the region.

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