Historical tsunamis · Nov 14, 1986, 9:20 PM UTC
1986 Taiwan tsunami
Taiwan
The tsunami of Nov 14, 1986, 9:20 PM UTC originated near Taiwan (Taiwan).
Key facts
- Date
- Nov 14, 1986, 9:20 PM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.8
- Depth
- 34 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 0.30 m
- Deaths
- 15
- Injuries
- 50
- Damage
- limited (under US$ 1 million)
- Observation records
- 5
- Countries affected
- 2
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake at a depth of 34 km.
The highest documented water height was 0.30 m (Hirara, Japan).
5 observation sites in 2 countries are recorded.
The database records 15 deaths.
Damage is estimated at limited (under US$ 1 million).
Map of observation sites
5Each 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 | 3 | 0.30 m Hirara | — | — |
| Taiwan | 2 | — | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
5 / 5Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hirara · Okinawa | 0.30 m | 389 km | Japan |
| Ishigakiko · Okinawa | 0.14 m | 268 km | Japan |
| Naha · Okinawa | 0.14 m | 666 km | Japan |
| Hualien Port | — | 11 km | Taiwan |
| Yilan Port | — | 81 km | Taiwan |
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.