World Map › Major Tsunamis Since 1900 › 1977
Historic Tsunami
1977 Solomon Islands Tsunami
21 April 1977 · Solomon Islands
On 21 April 1977 at 04:24 UTC, a tsunami formed near the Solomon Islands. It was caused by a magnitude 8.1 earthquake. Waves reached up to 0.0 m high. It was observed at 5 locations in 3 countries or territories, up to 3,025 km from its source. It killed at least 18 people and injured 1.
- Date
- 21 April 1977
- Time
- 04:24 UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Earthquake Magnitude
- 8.1
- Highest Wave
- 0.0 m
- Observation Sites
- 5
- Furthest Reach
- 3,025 km
- Deaths
- 18
- Injuries
- 1
- Source Country
- Solomon Islands
- Triggering Earthquake
- M 8.1, 1977
Countries and Territories Reached
Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.
Highest Waves
- 0.0 mTownsville, Queensland · Australia · 1,814 km
- 0.0 mCairns · Australia · 1,791 km
- 0.0 mApia, Upolu Island · Samoa · 3,025 km
Other Major Tsunamis in the Region
- 2016Solomon Islands · 0.4 m1 deaths
- 2013Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands · 11.0 m10 deaths
- 2007Solomon Islands · 12.1 m52 deaths
- 1977Solomon Islands · 0.2 m34 deaths
- 1939Solomon Islands · 10.5 m12 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