Historic Tsunami

1981 Indonesia Tsunami

20 October 1981 · Krakatau · Indonesia

On 20 October 1981, a tsunami formed near Krakatau, Indonesia. It was caused by a volcano and landslide. Waves reached up to 2.0 m high. It was observed at 1 location.

Date

20 October 1981

Cause

Volcano and landslide

Highest Wave

2.0 m

Observation Sites

1

Furthest Reach

6 km

Source Country

Indonesia

Triggering Volcano

Krakatau

Highest Waves

• 2.0 mRakata Island (Krakatoa) · Indonesia · 6 km

Other Major Tsunamis in the Region

• 2018Krakatau, Indonesia · 85.0 m437 deaths
• 2009Java Sea, Indonesia · 0.4 m81 deaths
• 2007Sumatra, Indonesia · 5.0 m25 deaths
• 2006South of Java, Indonesia · 20.9 m802 deaths
• 1928Krakatau, Indonesia · 4.0 m

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