Historical tsunamis · Aug 16, 1976, 4:11 PM UTC
1976 Moro Gulf tsunami
Philippines
The tsunami of Aug 16, 1976, 4:11 PM UTC originated near Moro Gulf (Philippines).
Key facts
- Date
- Aug 16, 1976, 4:11 PM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M8.0
- Depth
- 33 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 9.00 m
- Deaths
- 8,000
- Injuries
- 10,000
- Damage
- US$ 134 million
- Observation records
- 41
- Countries affected
- 2
It was triggered by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake at a depth of 33 km.
The highest documented water height was 9.00 m (Lebak, Philippines).
41 observation sites in 2 countries are recorded.
The database records 8,000 deaths.
Damage is estimated at US$ 134 million.
Map of observation sites
41Each dot is a documented observation site; colour and size show the observed water height. The triangle marks the source.
Tsunami arrival times
Documented arrival times from the NOAA/NCEI database, showing the earliest recorded location per country. Coverage is incomplete: a country without an entry was not necessarily spared.
- 0:00 hEarthquake (origin) · Aug 16, 1976, 4:11 PM UTC
- 0:18 hPhilippines · Pagadian City · 4.30 m
1 places with a documented arrival time
Observations by country
| Country | Observation records | Maximum documented water height | Deaths | Earliest arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 36 | 9.00 m Lebak | 3,820 | 0:18 h |
 Japan | 5 | 0.12 m Kushimoto | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
15 / 41Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebak | 9.00 m | 38 km | Philippines |
| Linek, Cotabato, Mindanao Island | 8.50 m | 98 km | Philippines |
| Kalanganan, Cotabato | 6.10 m | 107 km | Philippines |
| Malabang | 6.00 m | 144 km | Philippines |
| Lamitan, Basilan Island | 5.50 m | 220 km | Philippines |
| Tongkil (Tongquil) Island, Sulu | 5.40 m | 250 km | Philippines |
| Alicia | 4.43 m | 182 km | Philippines |
| Bongo Island | 4.43 m | 114 km | Philippines |
| Bohelebong, Basilan Island | 4.30 m | 212 km | Philippines |
| Kinimi | 4.30 m | 71 km | Philippines |
| Pagadian City | 4.30 m | 182 km | Philippines |
| Penansaran | 4.30 m | 85 km | Philippines |
| Resa Bay | 4.30 m | 66 km | Philippines |
| Malangas | 4.00 m | 188 km | Philippines |
| Buaya-Buaya, Cotabato | 3.70 m | 101 km | Philippines |
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.