World Map › Major Tsunamis Since 1900 › 1973
Historic Tsunami
1973 Mexico Tsunami
30 January 1973 · South Mexico · Mexico
On 30 January 1973 at 21:01 UTC, a tsunami formed near South Mexico, Mexico. It was caused by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake. Waves reached up to 1.1 m high. It was observed at 9 locations in 2 countries or territories, up to 8,260 km from its source. It killed at least 56 people and injured 390.
- Date
- 30 January 1973
- Time
- 21:01 UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Earthquake Magnitude
- 7.5
- Highest Wave
- 1.1 m
- Observation Sites
- 9
- Furthest Reach
- 8,260 km
- Deaths
- 56
- Injuries
- 390
- Source Country
- Mexico
- Triggering Earthquake
- 1973 Colima Earthquake
Countries and Territories Reached
Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.
- 5Mexico · 1.1 m
- 4United States of America · 0.2 m
Highest Waves
- 1.1 mManzanillo · Mexico · 154 km
- 0.4 mAcapulco · Mexico · 376 km
- 0.2 mHilo, Hawaii, Hi · United States of America · 5,457 km
- 0.2 mPago Pago, American Samoa · United States of America · 8,260 km
- 0.2 mLa Paz · Mexico · 994 km
- 0.2 mSalina Cruz · Mexico · 868 km
- 0.1 mMazatlan · Mexico · 630 km
- 0.1 mKahului, Maui, Hi · United States of America · 5,588 km
- 0.1 mNawiliwili, Kauai, Hi · United States of America · 5,870 km
Other Major Tsunamis in the Region
- 1995South Mexico, Mexico · 11.0 m50 deaths
- 1985Mexico · 3.0 m9,500 deaths
- 1957South Mexico, Mexico · 1.3 m65 deaths
- 1941Mexico84 deaths
- 1932Central Mexico, Mexico · 10.0 m75 deaths
- 1932Central Mexico, Mexico · 10.0 m400 deaths
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Tsunami Database (doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7) · Natural Earth