Historical tsunamis · Dec 17, 2024, 1:47 AM UTC
2024 Vanuatu Islands tsunami
Vanuatu
The tsunami of Dec 17, 2024, 1:47 AM UTC originated near Vanuatu Islands (Vanuatu).
Key facts
- Date
- Dec 17, 2024, 1:47 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M7.3
- Depth
- 57 km
- Maximum documented water height
- 0.25 m
- Deaths
- 14
- Injuries
- 265
- Damage
- US$ 100 million
- Observation records
- 2
- Countries affected
- 1
It was triggered by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake at a depth of 57 km.
The highest documented water height was 0.25 m (Port Vila, Efate Island, Vanuatu).
2 observation sites in 1 countries are recorded.
The database records 14 deaths.
Damage is estimated at US$ 100 million.
Map of observation sites
2Each 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | 2 | 0.25 m Port Vila, Efate Island | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
2 / 2Individual 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Vila, Efate Island | 0.25 m | 30 km | Vanuatu |
| Lenakel, Tanna | 0.17 m | 242 km | Vanuatu |
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.