Historical tsunamis · Aug 17, 1999, 12:01 AM UTC
1999 Kocaeli, Turkey tsunami
Turkey
The tsunami of Aug 17, 1999, 12:01 AM UTC originated near Kocaeli, Turkey (Turkey).
Key facts
- Date
- Aug 17, 1999, 12:01 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.6
- Depth
- 13 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 2.52 m
- Deaths
- 17,118
- Injuries
- 50,000
- Damage
- US$ 20,000 million
- Observation records
- 26
- Countries affected
- 1
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake at a depth of 13 km.
The highest documented water height was 2.52 m.
26 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.
The database records 17,118 deaths.
Damage is estimated at US$ 20,000 million.
Map of observation sites
26Each 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 26 | 2.50 m Degirmendere | 5 | — |
Highest documented water heights
15 / 26Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degirmendere | 2.50 m | 20 km | Turkey |
| Derince Port | 2.50 m | 12 km | Turkey |
| Kiler Point | 2.50 m | 17 km | Turkey |
| Kirazliyali | 2.50 m | 23 km | Turkey |
| Korfez | 2.50 m | 20 km | Turkey |
| Sirinyali | 2.50 m | 25 km | Turkey |
| Yarimca (Gubretas) Pier | 2.50 m | 20 km | Turkey |
| Cene Suyu | 2.00 m | 10 km | Turkey |
| Dilovasi | 2.00 m | 38 km | Turkey |
| Topcular | 2.00 m | 47 km | Turkey |
| Ulasli | 2.00 m | 24 km | Turkey |
| Hereke | 1.80 m | 29 km | Turkey |
| Yalikent | 1.60 m | 20 km | Turkey |
| Defne Mahallesi | 1.50 m | 28 km | Turkey |
| Tavsancil | 1.50 m | 34 km | Turkey |
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.