Top 10 deadliest tsunamis in history

Tsunamis are devastating natural disasters caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides that send massive waves crashing onto coastlines. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains the deadliest in history, claiming over 230,000 lives across multiple countries.

Such events highlight the destructive power of nature and the importance of early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities.

While tsunamis can strike suddenly, improved monitoring and preparedness can save lives. Understanding the causes and impact of tsunamis helps raise awareness and encourages stronger disaster response measures worldwide.

Most devastating tsunami events worldwide

According to data from NOAA and various historical sources, here are the 10 deadliest tsunamis, their magnitude, year, cause, and location.

List of 10 dangerous tsunamis

1. Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami (Indonesia, N. Sumatra) - 2004

The deadliest tsunami on record occurred in 2004 when a colossal 9.1 magnitude undersea earthquake struck off Sumatra, Indonesia. This triggered waves over 30 meters high that devastated 14 countries and killed over 230,000 people. Indonesia was the hardest hit, followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The disaster highlighted the urgent need for a global tsunami warning system.

2. Lisbon Earthquake and Tsunami (Portugal, Lisbon) - 1755

On November 1, 1755, an 8.5 magnitude earthquake rocked Lisbon, Portugal. Within minutes, tsunami waves approximately 6 meters high struck the city from the Atlantic Ocean. These waves caused further destruction and loss of life in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and parts of the Caribbean. This event influenced European scientific and philosophical understanding of natural disasters.3. Krakatoa Eruption and Tsunami (Indonesia, Krakatoa) - 1883

The Krakatoa volcano erupted explosively in 1883, generating tsunami waves up to 37 meters tall. These waves destroyed coastal towns near Java and Sumatra. The eruption was heard thousands of kilometers away and caused tsunamis that reached as far as the Arabian Peninsula and South Africa. This eruption drastically altered the geography of the region.4. Enshunada Sea Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) - 1498

A powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s Enshunada Sea coast in 1498, triggering destructive tsunamis that flooded coastal communities. This event is one of the earliest recorded major tsunamis in Japan's history.5. Sanriku Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) - 1896

On June 15, 1896, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s Sanriku coast generated tsunami waves up to 38 meters high.

Despite the earthquake’s mild shaking, the tsunami caused massive destruction, wiping away villages and boats. This event exemplifies the danger of “tsunami earthquakes,” where the tsunami is devastating despite minor seismic shaking.6. Arica Earthquake and Tsunami (Chile, Northern) - 1868

A massive 8.5 magnitude earthquake near Arica, Chile, in 1868 triggered a trans-Pacific tsunami. The waves devastated Chile and Peru and traveled thousands of kilometers, causing damage in Hawaii, California, Australia, and New Zealand.

The tsunami’s force was so powerful that it swept ships far inland.7. Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan, Honshu Island) - 2011

On March 11, 2011, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s Tohoku coast caused tsunami waves over 40 meters high. The tsunami overwhelmed seawalls, flooded coastal towns, and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. This event highlighted the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and early warning systems.8. Unzen-Mayuyama Landslide and Tsunami (Japan, Shimabara Bay) - 1792

In 1792, an earthquake caused a massive landslide from Mount Mayuyama in Japan, which plunged into Shimabara Bay and generated a powerful tsunami. This landslide tsunami caused extensive destruction and loss of life, demonstrating how landslides alone can trigger deadly tsunamis.9. Ryukyu Islands Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) - 1771

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck near Japan’s Ryukyu Islands in 1771, producing tsunami waves estimated as high as 85 meters.

The waves inundated coastal villages and caused widespread devastation and loss of life, particularly on Ishigaki Island.10. Ise Bay Earthquake and Tsunami (Japan) - 1586In 1586, an 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Ise Bay, Japan, causing a destructive tsunami that flooded coastal areas. The waves caused significant damage and loss of life, marking one of the major historic natural disasters in the region.