On December 7, 1944 CE, a major tsunami was generated following a powerful undersea earthquake off the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula in Japan. According to historical records cataloged by the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event occurred at approximately 04:35, producing coastal inundation with peak water heights reaching 10.0 meters.
Seismic Origin and Location
The tsunami was triggered by an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.1. The seismic epicenter was positioned in the Pacific Ocean off the southeastern margin of the Kii Peninsula at geographical coordinates 34.0° N and 137.1° E. In historical catalog classifications, the event carries a validity rating of 4, denoting a definite tsunami generated by seismic displacement (cause code 1).
Tsunami Measurements and Coastal Impact
The tsunami produced substantial wave action along the adjacent Japanese coastline. The maximum recorded water height associated with the event reached 10.0 meters. In tsunami observational terminology, maximum water height denotes the peak vertical elevation of water measured above the standard sea level at a specific coastal recording location, rather than a uniform crest height along the entire coastline.
| Parameter | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | December 7, 1944 CE, 04:35 |
| Region / Country | Off Southeast Coast Kii Peninsula, Japan |
| Epicenter Coordinates | 34.0° N, 137.1° E |
| Earthquake Magnitude | 8.1 |
| Maximum Water Height | 10.0 m |
| Tsunami Validity Rating | 4 (Definite) |
| Recorded Fatalities | 1,223 |
| Recorded Injuries | 2,135 |
Human Toll and Casualties
The combined impact of the magnitude 8.1 earthquake and the subsequent tsunami waves resulted in severe human casualties along coastal communities. Historical documentation records 1,223 fatalities and 2,135 injuries attributed to the disaster.
Data Archive and Historical Record
Information concerning this event is preserved within global geophysical hazard archives to assist in understanding historical seismic and tsunami activity along the Nankai Trough margin of Japan. These records reflect retrospective historical observations compiled in authoritative databases and serve as permanent reference points for regional hazard assessments.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1944 Kii Peninsula tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on December 7, 1944 CE, at approximately 04:35, following a magnitude 8.1 earthquake off the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula in Japan.
What was the highest wave measurement recorded for this event?
The maximum water height recorded for the December 7, 1944 CE tsunami was 10.0 meters.
How many casualties were documented from the earthquake and tsunami?
Historical records account for 1,223 deaths and 2,135 injuries resulting from the December 7, 1944 CE event.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.