Historical tsunamis · Oct 20, 1687, 10:30 AM UTC
1687 S. Peru tsunami
Peru
The tsunami of Oct 20, 1687, 10:30 AM UTC originated near S. Peru (Peru).
Key facts
- Date
- Oct 20, 1687, 10:30 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M8.5
- Depth
- 30 km
- Maximum documented water height
- —
- Deaths
- 5,000
- Damage
- severe (about US$ 5–25 million)
- Observation records
- 10
- Countries affected
- 2
It was triggered by a magnitude 8.5 earthquake at a depth of 30 km.
10 observation sites in 2 countries are recorded.
The database records 5,000 deaths.
Damage is estimated at severe (about US$ 5–25 million).
Map of observation sites
10Each 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 | 4 | 2.00 m Ayukawa | — | — |
| Peru | 6 | — | 500 | — |
Highest documented water heights
10 / 10Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayukawa · Miyagi | 2.00 m | 15,378 km | Japan |
| Yonagusuku, Okinawa · Okinawa | 0.80 m | 17,125 km | Japan |
| Kamaishi (Sanriku) · Iwate | 0.50 m | 15,301 km | Japan |
| Shiogama · Miyagi | 0.50 m | 15,418 km | Japan |
| Callao · Callao | — | 175 km | Peru |
| Chancay · Lima | — | 230 km | Peru |
| Chincha · Ica | — | 40 km | Peru |
| Chorrillos · Lima | — | 156 km | Peru |
| Pisco · Ica | — | 38 km | Peru |
| San Vicente de Canete · Lima | — | 48 km | Peru |
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.