On December 12, 1992, a major tsunami generated in the Flores Sea struck coastal areas of Indonesia. The event was triggered by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, producing severe coastal inundation with a maximum recorded water height of 26.2 meters and causing extensive casualties and damage.
Seismic Origin and Chronology
According to the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event occurred on December 12, 1992, with an origin time recorded at 05:29:26.3 UTC. The primary source was an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8, centered at coordinates of latitude -8.48 and longitude 121.896 in the Flores Sea off the coast of Indonesia. The event is cataloged with a validity rating of 4, indicating a definite tsunami observation linked directly to the seismic disturbance.
Water Height and Inundation Measurements
The tsunami generated extreme coastal runup along affected shorelines. The maximum water height documented in the historical record reached 26.2 meters. In tsunami observational science, maximum water height denotes the highest point of inundation or wave crest measured above the prevailing sea level at specific survey locations rather than a uniform wave crest across the entire sea.
Impact and Damage Summary
The tsunami resulted in significant human casualties and infrastructure destruction across affected coastal settlements. Historical records report 2,500 deaths and 2,103 injuries. Total property and structural damage was documented at approximately $100 million USD.
| Parameter | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | 1992-12-12 05:29:26.3 UTC |
| Location | Flores Sea, Indonesia |
| Coordinates | Latitude -8.48, Longitude 121.896 |
| Earthquake Magnitude | 7.8 |
| Maximum Water Height | 26.2 meters |
| Fatalities | 2,500 |
| Injuries | 2,103 |
| Estimated Damage | $100.0 million USD |
| Event Validity | 4 (Definite Tsunami) |
Database Archival and Research Context
This historical entry is archived under Event ID 2214 in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database. The record preserves post-event survey data and geological observations from the 1992 event to support long-term regional hazard modeling, inundation mapping, and tsunami risk assessments in the Indonesian archipelago.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1992 Flores Sea tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on December 12, 1992, triggered by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake originating at 05:29:26.3 UTC in the Flores Sea, Indonesia.
What was the highest water level recorded during the 1992 Flores Sea tsunami?
The maximum water height recorded for the 1992 event was 26.2 meters, measured at peak inundation locations along the coast.
What were the reported casualties and financial losses from this event?
Historical records document 2,500 deaths, 2,103 injuries, and an estimated $100 million USD in property damage.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.