Historical tsunamis · Nov 16, 2008, 5:02 PM UTC
2008 Sulawesi tsunami
Indonesia
The tsunami of Nov 16, 2008, 5:02 PM UTC originated near Sulawesi (Indonesia).
Key facts
- Date
- Nov 16, 2008, 5:02 PM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.3
- Depth
- 30 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 0.13 m
- Deaths
- 6
- Injuries
- 77
- Damage
- severe (about US$ 5–25 million)
- Observation records
- 3
- Countries affected
- 2
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake at a depth of 30 km.
The highest documented water height was 0.13 m (Toli-Toli, Indonesia).
3 observation sites in 2 countries are recorded.
The database records 6 deaths.
Damage is estimated at severe (about US$ 5–25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 2 | 0.13 m Toli-Toli | — | — |
 Philippines | 1 | — | — | — |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toli-Toli · Central Sulawesi | 0.13 m | 145 km | Indonesia |
| Tahuna · North Sulawesi | 0.10 m | 460 km | Indonesia |
| Davao | — | 762 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.