World Tsunami Awareness Day: A look at deadliest tsunamis in history

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Updated Nov 5, 2019, 8:16 PM IST

World Tsunami Awareness Day: A look at deadliest tsunamis in history

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The United Nations General Assembly started the World Tsunami Awareness Day in 2015 which is observed on November 5, every year. Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or undersea volcanic eruptions. Over the years, tsunamis have caused destruction of a large magnitude. Here's a look at some of the deadliest Tsunamis that have taken place in history.

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North Pacific Coast, Japan, 2011

Almost 10m-high waves, speeding at 800 km per hour, swept over the east coast of Japan on March 11, 2011, killing more than 18,000 people. The Tsunami was triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the fourth-largest earthquake ever recorded. Around 452,000 people were relocated to shelters and the event was declared as a nuclear emergency due to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant leaking radioactive steam. A damage of $235 billion was incurred.

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Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused widespread damage in India and South Asia. The event witnessed the world's third largest earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 on the Richter scale. The 100-feet-high waves sped across Indian Ocean, impacting countries like Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, killing more than 230,000 people. The Japanese term 'Tsunami' became a part of the Indian lingo after this natural catastrophe.

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Messina Earthquake and Tsunami, 1908

On Dec. 28, 1908, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Messina, Italy, caused a deadly tsunami. The underprepared town got almost destroyed with a casualty of around 200,000 people, which significantly reduced the city's population.

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Honshu Tsunami, 1896

On June 16, 1896, a deadly tsunami hit Honshu, Japan, after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit the underwater fault. The 115-feet waves crashed into the town of Kamaishi and Sanriku, killing nearly 27,000 people in the area and destroying many coastal villages.

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Krakatoa Tsunami, 1883

On Aug. 27, 1883, the volcanic island of Krakatoa erupted. With multiple eruptions taking place, the walls of the volcano began to open and sea water poured into the magma chamber, resulting in a huge explosion and destroying two-thirds of the island. A deadly series of tsunamis followed the explosion, impacting Indonesia, India and surrounding islands. The 90-feet waves killed more than 36,000 people.

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Arica Tsunami, 1868

An 8.5-magnitude earthquake hit the Peru-Chile Trench on Aug 16, 1868. The earthquake was followed by 90-feet tsunami waves, which crashed into the port of Arica, wiping out buildings and homes. The event caused a monetary damage of $300 million along with the death of 70,000 people in South America.

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Lisbon Tsunami, 1755

The Nov. 1, 1755, earthquake in Lisbon, was centred in the Atlantic Ocean. The quake was estimated to be of 9.0 magnitude on the Richter scale. It was followed by a tsunami, sweeping people, debris into the sea. The high tide waves wrecked boats, destroyed homes and were felt in most of the coastal towns throughout Spain, Portugal and North Africa. Around 10,000 people died during the natural disaster.

World Tsunami Awareness Day: A look at deadliest tsunamis in history

World Tsunami Awareness Day: A look at deadliest tsunamis in history

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