Overview of the 1586 Central Peru Tsunami
On July 10, 1586 CE, at approximately 00:30, a powerful earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.5 struck off the coast of Central Peru. The earthquake triggered a major tsunami that inundated coastal locations in the region. Official historical records document 22 deaths and a maximum recorded water height of 26.0 meters resulting from the waves.
The event is documented in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database under Event ID 194 with a validity code of 4, which corresponds to a definite tsunami generated by seismic activity.
Key Event Measurements
The table below summarizes the primary observational parameters recorded in the official database for the July 10, 1586 CE event off Central Peru.
| Parameter | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | July 10, 1586 CE at 00:30 |
| Location Coordinates | Latitude -12.3, Longitude -77.7 |
| Region | Central Peru |
| Earthquake Magnitude | 8.5 |
| Maximum Water Height | 26.0 meters |
| Reported Deaths | 22 |
| Primary Cause Code | 1 (Earthquake) |
| Tsunami Validity Rating | 4 (Definite Tsunami) |
Historical Data Interpretation and Limitations
In historical tsunami databases, maximum water height entries reflect peak local measurements or observations recorded at specific coastal locations rather than a uniform wave height along the entire coastline. The recorded magnitude of 8.5 indicates significant underwater fault displacement, which transferred energy into the ocean column and drove extreme runup along vulnerable shoreline sectors.
Historical documentation from the 16th century CE often presents localized mortality and wave observations. The 22 recorded fatalities represent documented losses in official historical compilations, serving as a baseline metric for the event's local human impact.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1586 Central Peru tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on July 10, 1586 CE, at approximately 00:30 following an earthquake off the coast of Central Peru.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake associated with the 1586 tsunami?
The associated earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 8.5.
What was the maximum wave height recorded during the 1586 tsunami?
The official database records a maximum water height of 26.0 meters for the July 10, 1586 CE tsunami in Central Peru.
How many casualties were documented for this event?
Historical records in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database document 22 deaths associated with the earthquake and tsunami.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.