ISLAMABAD: From the thunderous collapse of Krakatoa to the devastating waves that swept across the Indian Ocean in 2004, tsunamis have left indelible scars on human history.
Indian Ocean Tsunami – 26 December 2004, off Sumatra, Indonesia
This tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.1–9.3 megathrust quake, struck 14 countries from Indonesia to East Africa. It caused an estimated 230,000–230,000+ deaths, making it the deadliest tsunami ever recorded. Coastal zones of Aceh province were hardest hit, with wave heights up to 30 m and widespread inundation.
Tōhoku (Japan) Tsunami – 11 March 2011, Pacific coast of Japan
A magnitude 9.0–9.1 undersea earthquake triggered tsunami waves up to 40.5 metres along the Tōhoku coast. Over 18,500 people died, damage reached up to $360 billion, and the Fukushima nuclear crisis ensued.
Sanriku Tsunami – 15 June 1896, Sanriku Coast, Japan
Following an 8.5‑magnitude quake, this tsunami killed over 22,000 people and destroyed nearly 9,000 homes. It led to Japan’s first tsunami warning measures.
Krakatoa Tsunami – 27 August 1883, Sunda Strait, Indonesia
A volcanic mega‑eruption generated tsunami waves up to 37 metres, destroying Anjer and Merak, and killing around 40,000 people, including volcanic casualties.
1755 Lisbon Tsunami – 1 November 1755, Portugal and beyond
Result of a massive offshore earthquake—likely magnitude around 9.0—this tsunami devastated Lisbon, spreading across the Atlantic. It killed an estimated 60,000 people in Lisbon alone, and a massive harbour inundation followed.
1960 Valdivia Tsunami – 22 May 1960, Chile, Pacific Rim
Following the largest recorded earthquake (magnitude 9.5), tsunami waves struck Chile, Hawaii, Japan, and the US West Coast. Some 1,600 deaths resulted worldwide.
1964 Alaska Tsunami – 27 March 1964, Gulf of Alaska
This magnitude 9.2 megathrust quake triggered deadly tsunami waves across the Alaskan and Pacific coastlines. More than 130 deaths occurred, including fatalities in Crescent City, California.
Severo‑Kurilsk Tsunami – 5 November 1952, Kuril Islands / Kamchatka, Russia
A magnitude 9.0 quake generated an 18-metre tsunami that struck Severo‑Kurilsk and nearby settlements. Casualties exceeded 2,300 dead.
Lituya Bay Megatsunami – 9 July 1958, Lituya Bay, Alaska (USA)
Triggered by a 7.8–8.3 quake-induced landslide, the wave reached an extraordinary 524 metres run‑up (1,720 ft)—the tallest ever recorded, though fatalities were just five.
1946 Aleutian (Scotch Cap) Tsunami – 1 April 1946, Alaska / Hawaii
A magnitude 7.8 quake off Alaska’s Aleutians triggered tsunami waves up to 35 metres at Scotch Cap lighthouse and later slammed Hilo, Hawaii. Victims totalled 165 people.
Why these tsunamis matter
These events stand out not just for the raw numbers of lives lost, but also for the lessons they offered. The Indian Ocean disaster catalysed global tsunami warning systems; Japan’s 2011 and 1896 tsunamis accelerated research and prevention measures.
