Event Overview and Historical Record
On July 17, 2006 CE, at 08:19:26 UTC, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred south of Java, Indonesia, generating a destructive tsunami. According to historical data documented in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database (Event ID 2832), the tsunami produced a maximum recorded water height of 20.9 meters. The database assigns the entry a validity code of 4, confirming the event as a definite tsunami.
Casualties and Damage
The tsunami caused significant casualties and property destruction along affected coastal areas in Indonesia. Official records document 802 deaths and 498 injuries resulting from the event. Total direct financial losses are recorded at $55.0 million USD.
Recorded Parameters and Data Summary
Key observations compiled in the official database record include:
- Event Date and Origin Time: July 17, 2006 CE, at 08:19:26 UTC
- Primary Region: South of Java, Indonesia (-9.284, 107.419)
- Causative Earthquake Magnitude: 7.7
- Maximum Recorded Water Height: 20.9 meters
- Recorded Fatalities: 802
- Recorded Injuries: 498
- Property Damage: $55.0 million USD
- Tsunami Validity Code: 4 (Definite Tsunami)
The recorded maximum water height of 20.9 meters indicates the highest localized wave runup measurement documented during field evaluations, rather than a uniform height across the entire coastline.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the July 17, 2006 tsunami south of Java?
The tsunami was triggered by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred south of Java, Indonesia, at 08:19:26 UTC on July 17, 2006 CE.
What was the highest recorded water level for this event?
The maximum recorded water height for the event was 20.9 meters, representing the peak localized runup height.
What were the human and financial impacts of the 2006 tsunami?
The official record attributes 802 deaths, 498 injuries, and $55.0 million USD in financial damage to the event.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.