The deadliest tsunami in Japan’s history occurred on this day in 1896. The Sanriku earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 7.6 to 7.9 on the Richter scale.
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
What caused the Sanriku earthquake of 1896?
The earthquake was caused by the movement of the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the Okhotsk Plate along the Japan Trench. It was a result of the convergence between the Eurasian Plate and the Pacific Plate.
Did the Sanriku earthquake of 1896 trigger a tsunami?
The earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, with waves reaching heights of up to 38 meters (125 feet), striking the coast within minutes of the earthquake.
What was the impact of the Sanriku earthquake and tsunami of 1896?
The Sanriku earthquake and tsunami of 1896 resulted in significant devastation and loss of life. It is estimated that over 22,000 people were killed across the affected coastal areas. Entire villages were swept away, and widespread destruction occurred along the coastline.