Historical tsunamis · Dec 5, 1997, 11:26 AM UTC
1997 Kamchatka tsunami
Russia
The tsunami of Dec 5, 1997, 11:26 AM UTC originated near Kamchatka (Russia).
Key facts
- Date
- Dec 5, 1997, 11:26 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.8
- Depth
- 33 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 8.00 m
- Observation records
- 17
- Countries affected
- 4
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake at a depth of 33 km.
The highest documented water height was 8.00 m (Chazma R., Kamchatka, Russia).
17 observation sites in 4 countries are recorded.
Map of observation sites
17Each 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 5 | 8.00 m Chazma R., Kamchatka | — | — |
 United States | 10 | 0.30 m Kahului, Maui, Hi | — | — |
| USA Territory | 1 | 0.06 m Midway Islands | — | — |
 Vanuatu | 1 | 0.04 m Port Vila, Efate Island | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
15 / 17Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chazma R., Kamchatka · Kamchatka | 8.00 m | 34 km | Russia |
| Kronotsky Peninsula, Cape Kozlova | 1.50 m | 32 km | Russia |
| Seismostation Kronoki | 0.35 m | 63 km | Russia |
| Kahului, Maui, Hi · Hi | 0.30 m | 5,116 km | United States |
| Haleiwa, Oahu, Hi · Hi | 0.26 m | 4,961 km | United States |
| Gms Cemlyachiki (Near Zhupanovo) | 0.25 m | 155 km | Russia |
| Hilo, Hawaii, Hi · Hi | 0.24 m | 5,304 km | United States |
| Hanalei, Kauai, Hi · Hi | 0.15 m | 4,827 km | United States |
| Makapuu Point, Oahu, Hi · Hi | 0.15 m | 5,011 km | United States |
| Adak, Sweeper Cove, Ak · Ak | 0.08 m | 1,452 km | United States |
| Unalaska, Dutch Harbor, Ak · Ak | 0.08 m | 2,029 km | United States |
| Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hi · Hi | 0.07 m | 4,859 km | United States |
| Midway Islands · Hi | 0.06 m | 3,392 km | USA Territory |
| Snug Harbor, Oahu, Hi · Hi | 0.05 m | 4,999 km | United States |
| Port Vila, Efate Island | 0.04 m | 8,066 km | Vanuatu |
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.