Massive Earthquake Spawns 80-foot Tsunami
June 15, 1896
The Sanriku coastal area of Japan (Iwate prefecture) was nearly wiped off the map on this day after a magnitude 8.5 earthquake launched a tsunami that killed more than 25,000 people. 170 miles of coastline were demolished. Hawaii was also damaged by waves headed the other way.
Fishermen never noticed the tsunami pass underneath them as it was estimated to be only 15 inches in height 20 miles from shore. However, nothing was left when they returned to their homeland. Thousands had gathered near the shore for the annual Boy’s Festival and were caught unaware when the sea suddenly receded and then the tsunami came roaring in.
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