Historical tsunamis · May 28, 1938, 4:42 PM UTC
1938 E. Hokkaido Island tsunami
Japan
The tsunami of May 28, 1938, 4:42 PM UTC originated near E. Hokkaido Island (Japan).
Key facts
- Date
- May 28, 1938, 4:42 PM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M6.1
- Depth
- 20 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 0.90 m
- Deaths
- 1
- Houses destroyed
- 7
- Damage
- limited (under US$ 1 million)
- Observation records
- 2
- Countries affected
- 1
It was triggered by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake at a depth of 20 km.
The highest documented water height was 0.90 m (Kussharoko, Japan).
2 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.
The database records 1 deaths.
Houses destroyed: 7.
Damage is estimated at limited (under US$ 1 million).
Map of observation sites
2Each dot is a documented observation site; colour and size show the observed water height. The triangle marks the source.
Observations by country
| Country | Observation records | Maximum documented water height | Deaths | Earliest arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2 | 0.90 m Kussharoko | 1 | — |
Highest documented water heights
2 / 2Individual documented observations for this event. Heights come from different measurement types and sources; not every location has a measured height.
| Location / station | Observed height | Distance from source | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kussharoko · Hokkaido | 0.90 m | 34 km | Japan |
| Lake Kucharo · Hokkaido | 0.90 m | 0 km | Japan |
More tsunamis
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Historical Tsunami Database. Confirmed events only. Deaths and damage are database estimates; older records are incomplete. Water heights come from different types of observation.