World Map › Major Tsunamis Since 1900 › 1986
Historic Tsunami
1986 Cameroon Tsunami
21 August 1986 · Lake Nyos · Cameroon
On 21 August 1986, a tsunami formed near Lake Nyos, Cameroon. It was caused by a volcanic eruption. Waves reached up to 75.0 m high. It was observed at 1 location. It killed at least 1,700 people and injured 300. It is the 37th deadliest and the 14th highest of the tsunamis recorded since 1900.
- Date
- 21 August 1986
- Cause
- Volcanic eruption
- Highest Wave
- 75.0 m
- Observation Sites
- 1
- Furthest Reach
- 30 km
- Deaths
- 1,700
- Injuries
- 300
- Source Country
- Cameroon
- Triggering Volcano
- Oku Volcanic Field
- Triggering Eruption
- Oku Volcanic Field, 1986
Highest Waves
- 75.0 mLake Nyos · Cameroon · 30 km
Other Major Tsunamis in the Region
- 1984Lake Monoun, Cameroon · 5.0 m37 deaths
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Tsunami Database (doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7) · Natural Earth