Historical tsunamis · Oct 25, 1981, 3:22 AM UTC

1981 Mexico tsunami

Mexico

The tsunami of Oct 25, 1981, 3:22 AM UTC originated near Mexico (Mexico).

Key facts

Date
Oct 25, 1981, 3:22 AM UTC
Cause
Earthquake
Magnitude
M7.3
Depth
28 km
Maximum documented water height
0.09 m
Deaths
3
Injuries
28
Damage
moderate (about US$ 1–5 million)
Observation records
1
Countries affected
1

It was triggered by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake at a depth of 28 km.

The highest documented water height was 0.09 m (Acapulco, Mexico).

1 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.

The database records 3 deaths.

Damage is estimated at moderate (about US$ 1–5 million).

Map of observation sites

1

Each dot is a documented observation site; colour and size show the observed water height. The triangle marks the source.

Observations by country

CountryObservation recordsMaximum documented water heightDeathsEarliest arrival
Mexico10.09 m
Acapulco
——

Highest documented water heights

1 / 1

Individual documented observations for this event. Heights come from different measurement types and sources; not every location has a measured height.

Location / stationObserved heightDistance from sourceCountry
Acapulco · Guerrero0.09 m270 kmMexico

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.