On August 16, 1976, at 16 hours, 11 minutes, and 7.3 seconds UTC, a major tsunami struck the Moro Gulf region in the Philippines. According to the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event was triggered by an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0. The event carries a validity rating of 4, indicating definite tsunami occurrence based on historical measurements and observations.
Event Characteristics and Measurements
The earthquake associated with the tsunami was centered at latitude 6.292 and longitude 124.09 in the Moro Gulf. The physical impacts of the disaster were severe, resulting in a recorded maximum water height of 9.0 meters. The event caused extensive devastation across the affected coastal areas.
Human and Economic Impact
Official historical records document substantial losses resulting from the Moro Gulf tsunami:
- Deaths: 8,000
- Injuries: 10,000
- Damage: $134.0 million (USD)
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1976 Moro Gulf tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on August 16, 1976, at 16:11:07.3 UTC.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake associated with the tsunami?
The associated earthquake had a magnitude of 8.0.
What was the maximum water height recorded during the event?
The recorded maximum water height reached 9.0 meters.
How many casualties and what financial damage were reported?
The historical record notes 8,000 deaths, 10,000 injuries, and $134.0 million in damage.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.