Historic Tsunami

1939 Solomon Islands Tsunami

30 April 1939 · Solomon Islands

On 30 April 1939 at 02:55 UTC, a tsunami formed near the Solomon Islands. It was caused by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake. Waves reached up to 10.5 m high. It was observed at 8 locations in 2 countries or territories, up to 1,037 km from its source. It killed at least 12 people.

Date

30 April 1939

Time

02:55 UTC

Cause

Earthquake

Earthquake Magnitude

7.9

Highest Wave

10.5 m

Observation Sites

8

Furthest Reach

1,037 km

Deaths

12

Source Country

Solomon Islands

Triggering Earthquake

M 7.9, 1939

Countries and Territories Reached

Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.

• 4Solomon Islands · 10.5 m12 deaths
• 4Papua New Guinea · 1.5 m

Highest Waves

• 10.5 mBeaufort Bay, Guadalcanal · Solomon Islands · 60 km
• 1.8 mNorth Coast of Guadalcanal · Solomon Islands · 62 km
• 1.5 mGasmata, New Britain · Papua New Guinea · 1,037 km
• 0.6 mTulagi Harbour, Tulaghi Island · Solomon Islands · 102 km

Other Major Tsunamis in the Region

• 2016Solomon Islands · 0.4 m1 deaths
• 2007Solomon Islands · 12.1 m52 deaths
• 1988Solomon Islands · 0.1 m1 deaths
• 1977Solomon Islands · 0.0 m18 deaths
• 1977Solomon Islands · 0.2 m34 deaths
• 1931San Cristobal Island, Solomon Islands · 9.0 m50 deaths

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Tsunami Database (doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7) · Natural Earth