Historical tsunamis · Jan 16, 1995, 8:46 PM UTC
1995 Kobe, Japan tsunami
Japan
The tsunami of Jan 16, 1995, 8:46 PM UTC originated near Kobe, Japan (Japan).
Key facts
- Date
- Jan 16, 1995, 8:46 PM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M6.9
- Depth
- 17 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 0.34 m
- Deaths
- 6,434
- Injuries
- 43,792
- Houses destroyed
- 186,175
- Damage
- US$ 100,000 million
- Observation records
- 2
- Countries affected
- 1
It was triggered by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake at a depth of 17 km.
The highest documented water height was 0.34 m (Ei, Japan).
2 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.
The database records 6,434 deaths.
Houses destroyed: 186,175.
Damage is estimated at US$ 100,000 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 | 0.34 m Ei | — | — |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ei · Hyogo | 0.34 m | 26 km | Japan |
| Kobe · Hyogo | 0.04 m | 15 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.