On February 6, 1783 CE, a tsunami struck the Messina Straits region in Italy. According to historical data from the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database, the event was associated with an earthquake and resulted in significant physical impacts and loss of life in the area.
Event Timeline and Location
The tsunami occurred on February 6, 1783 CE, with the event time recorded at 0 hours and 20 minutes (00:20). The associated seismic event and tsunami originated in the Messina Straits of Italy, centered at latitude 38.217 and longitude 15.633.
Measurements and Severity
The historical record details several specific parameters regarding the scale and severity of the 1783 event:
- Earthquake Magnitude: 5.9
- Maximum Water Height: 16.0 meters
- Validity: 4 (indicating definite tsunami occurrence in database standards)
- Deaths: 1,500 fatalities
The recorded maximum water height of 16.0 meters represents the highest measured wave runup or height associated with the event at specific locations, rather than a uniform height across the entire coastline.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1783 Messina Straits tsunami occur?
The tsunami occurred on February 6, 1783 CE, at 00:20.
What was the maximum water height recorded for the tsunami?
The recorded maximum water height was 16.0 meters.
Was the tsunami linked to an earthquake?
Yes, the event was associated with an earthquake of magnitude 5.9.
How many deaths were recorded from the 1783 Messina Straits event?
The historical database records 1,500 deaths resulting from the event.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.