10 Most Powerful Tsunamis In History

Indonesia, 2004

9.1 magnitude quake off Sumatra's coast caused a destructive tsunami, with an 800-mile fault, 160-foot wave, impacting 14 countries and resulting in 227,000 deaths.

Japan, 2011

The tsunami, taking 19,000 lives, triggered a Fukushima nuclear emergency with lasting radioactive leaks, elevating cancer risks for residents and causing persistent ocean contamination.

Portugal, 1755

The 1755 Portugal earthquake triggered a 100 ft tsunami, impacting Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, causing an estimated 60,000 casualties.

Indonesia, 1883

The 1883 Krakatau volcano eruption caused a devastating tsunami in Indonesia, leading to widespread destruction, including Anjer and Merak, and reaching Bombay, India, causing an estimated 40,000 casualties.

Italy, 1963

In 1963, Italy's Piave valley witnessed a human-induced tsunami when the Vajont dam collapsed, sending a 770-foot water wall that erased several villages within 15 minutes.

Japan, 1707

In 1707, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Pacific coast, generating a historical tsunami with 80-feet (25-m) high waves that battered Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and caused damage in Osaka.

Chile, 1868

The 1868 Chilean earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.0, unleashed tsunami waves up to 52 feet, reaching Hawaii, Japan, and Australia, causing around 25,000 fatalities.

Greenland, 2017

The 2017 Greenland tsunami, triggered by a Karrat Fjord landslide, unleashed a 295-foot wave on Nuugaatsiaq, wiping out 11 buildings and causing four fatalities.

Indonesia, 1674

The 1674 Indonesia megatsunami, triggered by a Maluku Islands earthquake, claimed 2,000 lives on Ambon Island, with a peak wave height of around 328 feet (100 m).

Alaska, 1958

The 1958 Alaska megatsunami, induced by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Lituya Bay, unleashed a 1,720-foot water wall, resulting in five casualties.

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