World Map › Major Tsunamis Since 1900 › 1979
Historic Tsunami
1979 Mexico Tsunami
14 March 1979 · South Mexico · Mexico
On 14 March 1979 at 11:07 UTC, a tsunami formed near South Mexico, Mexico. It was caused by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake. Waves reached up to 1.3 m high. It was observed at 3 locations in 2 countries or territories, up to 8,405 km from its source. It killed at least 5 people and injured 35.
- Date
- 14 March 1979
- Time
- 11:07 UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Earthquake Magnitude
- 7.6
- Highest Wave
- 1.3 m
- Observation Sites
- 3
- Furthest Reach
- 8,405 km
- Deaths
- 5
- Injuries
- 35
- Homes Destroyed
- 200
- Estimated Damage
- 30 million US dollars
- Source Country
- Mexico
- Triggering Earthquake
- 1979 Petatlán Earthquake
Countries and Territories Reached
Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.
- 2Mexico · 1.3 m
- 1United States of America · 0.1 m
Highest Waves
- 1.3 mAcapulco · Mexico · 182 km
- 0.4 mManzanillo · Mexico · 351 km
- 0.1 mPago Pago, American Samoa · United States of America · 8,405 km
Other Major Tsunamis in the Region
- 1985Mexico · 3.0 m9,500 deaths
- 1973South Mexico, Mexico · 1.1 m56 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