Top 7 Deadliest Tsunamis in History: Powerful Waves That Killed Thousands

Deadliest Tsunamis in History: Tsunamis are one of the gravest natural calamities that occur on Earth. Generated through undersea earthquakes, violent volcanoes, or landslides, they travel close to the shores, wreaking havoc in very little time. Tsunamis have a gory past. They have killed and destroyed whole regions. The following are the seven deadliest tsunamis in documented history.

1. Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004

Having struck on December 26, 2004, the wave was one of the most devastating tsunamis in contemporary history. Over 230,000 people died in fourteen countries, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, as a result of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred offshore of Sumatra.

2. Tōhoku Tsunami 2011, Japan

In northeastern Japan, the tsunami was generated by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake on March 11, 2011. Approximately 20,000 lives were lost, and a nuclear crisis was triggered at Fukushima power plant.

3. Lisbon Tsunami 1755, Portugal

These waves struck Lisbon and its neighboring coasts after a massive earthquake on November 1, 1755. Approximately 60,000 deaths were reported in Portugal, Spain, and North Africa.

4. Krakatoa Tsunami 1883, Indonesia

The eruption of Krakatoa created huge tsunamis killing over 36,000 people; these waves reached as far as South Africa and were heard 3,000 miles away.

5. Messina Tsunami 1908, Italy

After a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, waves hit the coasts with Messina and Reggio Calabria. The death toll was more than 100,000, thus making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Europe.

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6. Nicobar Islands Tsunami 1881, India

This tsunami was caused by an undersea earthquake near the Nicobar Islands; it killed over 5,000 people and affected parts of the Bay of Bengal region.

7. Aleutians Islands Tsunami 1946, Alaska

The tsunami, caused by a tremor of 8.6 magnitude, reached Hawaii and Alaska and killed over 160 people, ensuing in the establishment of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Disclaimer: This content is historical information intended for educational purposes only.

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