Top 10 Most Deadly Tsunamis in History | world News
Tsunamis are destroying natural disasters caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic explosions, or landslides that send waves crashed on the beaches. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains the deadliest in history, claiming more than 230,000 lives in many countries. Such incidents highlight the importance of nature’s destructive power and initial warning systems to protect weak communities. While tsunamis can strike suddenly, better monitoring and preparation can save life. Understanding the causes and effects of tsunami helps to increase awareness and encourage strong disaster response measures worldwide.
The most devastating tsunami events worldwide
According to data from NOAA and various historical sources, there are 10 most deadly tsunamis, their magnitude, year, causes and locations.
10 Dangerous Tsunami List
1. Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami (Indonesia, N. Sumatra) – 2004
Source: Wikipedia
The deadliest tsunami on the record took place in 2004 when a huge 9.1 earthquake hit Sumatra, Indonesia. This led to waves of more than 30 meters which destroyed 14 countries and more than 230,000 people died. Indonesia was the most difficult hit, followed by Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. The disaster highlighted the immediate need for the global tsunami warning system.2. Lisbon Earthquake and Tsunami (Portugal, Lisbon) – 1755
Source: Wikipedia
On November 1, 1755, an 8.5 magnitude earthquake shook Lisbon, Portugal. Within a few minutes, tsunami waves hit the city of about 6 meters high from the Atlantic Ocean. These waves caused more destruction and loss of life in Portugal, Spain, Morocco and parts of Caribbean. This phenomenon influenced the European scientist and philosophical understanding of natural disasters.3. Crakato Explosion & Tsunami (Indonesia, Crakato) – 1883
Source: Wikipedia
In 1883, the Crakato volcanic explosive exploded, leading to the tsunami waves to 37 meters. These waves destroyed coastal cities near Java and Sumatra. The explosion was heard thousands of kilometers away and caused a tsunami that reached the Arabian Peninsula and South Africa. The explosion greatly changed the geography of the region.4. Anshunada Sea Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) – 1498
Source: Wikipedia
In 1498, a powerful 8.3 collecting earthquake from Japan’s Eneshunada Sea Coast caused the devastating tsunami filled the coastal communities. This incident is one of the first major tsunamis recorded in the history of Japan.5. Sanniku Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) – 1896
Source: Wikipedia
On June 15, 1896, an earthquake of 8.3 intensity of 8.3 from Japan’s Sainricu coast produces tsunami waves. Despite the mild tremors of the earthquake, the tsunami caused massive destruction, erasing villages and boats. The phenomenon reflects the danger of “tsunami earthquakes”, where the tsunami is devastating despite a minor seismic shocks.6. Erica Earthquake and Tsunami (Chile, Northern) – 1868
Source: Wikipedia
In 1868, a huge 8.5 magnitude earthquake near Erica, Chile triggered a trans-pacific tsunami. The waves destroyed Chile and Peru and traveled thousands of kilometers, causing damage to Hawaii, California, Australia and New Zealand. The tsunami force was so powerful that it took the ships far away.7. Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan, Honshu Island) – 2011
Source: Wikipedia
On March 11, 2011, the tsunami waves were more than 40 meters high due to an earthquake of 9.1 from the tohoku coast in Japan. The tsunami overwhelmed the sequels, flooded the coastal cities, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. This phenomenon highlighted the important requirement of strong disaster preparations and early warning systems.8. Unzen -mayuyama landslides and tsunami (Japan, Shimbara Bay) – 1792
Source: Wikipedia
In 1792, an earthquake caused a large -scale landslide from Mount Mayyayama in Japan, drowned in Shimbara Bay and produced a powerful tsunami. This landslide tsunami caused widespread destruction and loss of life, showing how landslides can trigger a deadly tsunami alone.9. Ryukue Islands Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) – 1771
Source: Wikipedia
In 1771, the Ryukyu islands in Japan had an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4, with the production of tsunami waves more than 85 meters. The waves surrounded the coastal villages and caused widespread destruction and loss of life, especially on the island of Ishigaki.10. It is a bay earthquake and tsunami (Japan) – 1586In 1586, it caused an 8.2 magnitude earthquake near Japan’s bay, causing a devastating tsunami that flooded the coastal areas. The waves caused significant damage and loss of life, marking one of the major historical natural disasters in the region.
