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Today in History: Lituya Bay earthquake triggers record 1,720-ft tsunami

7/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 9, 1958, a powerful earthquake measuring between 7.8 and 8.3 struck Lituya Bay, Alaska, triggering a massive rockslide. This displacement generated a megatsunami that reached an unprecedented height of 524 meters (1,720 feet), making it the largest recorded in modern history. The event reshaped understanding of tsunami causes, including landslides.

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Story summary

On July 9, 1958, a powerful earthquake measuring between 7.8 and 8.3 struck Lituya Bay, Alaska, triggering a massive rockslide. This displacement generated a megatsunami that reached an unprecedented height of 524 meters (1,720 feet), making it the largest recorded in modern history. The event reshaped understanding of tsunami causes, including landslides.