Historical tsunamis · Mar 17, 1973, 8:30 AM UTC
1973 Quezon tsunami
Philippines
The tsunami of Mar 17, 1973, 8:30 AM UTC originated near Quezon (Philippines).
Key facts
- Date
- Mar 17, 1973, 8:30 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.5
- Depth
- 33 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 1.30 m
- Deaths
- 15
- Injuries
- 64
- Houses destroyed
- 98
- Damage
- US$ 0.4 million
- Observation records
- 3
- Countries affected
- 1
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake at a depth of 33 km.
The highest documented water height was 1.30 m (Calaug, Philippines).
3 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.
The database records 15 deaths.
Houses destroyed: 98.
Damage is estimated at US$ 0.4 million.
Map of observation sites
3Each 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 3 | 1.30 m Calaug | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
3 / 3Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calaug | 1.30 m | 83 km | Philippines |
| Quezon City | 1.30 m | 235 km | Philippines |
| Alabat Island | — | 95 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.