Vanuatu: Tsunami Survey

December 12 - 20 1999

November 26, 1999, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake reported northwest of Ambrym Island in the Vanuatu archipelago

Shortly thereafter, tsunami waves were reported in the press and on the TBB

A survey team was assembled consisting of US and Japanese members of the ITST

Tsunami generation is certain with runup of at least 5 m on southen Pentecost island

Runup in excess of 1m is reported on the western shore of Pentecost.

Northern Efate Island also has experienced runup of over 1 m

Eyewitness are adamant about the existence of multiple waves in the form of 'lumps'

The first wave was small, then a pause and a much larger wave afterwards.

Severe damage reminiscent of East Java or Flores

The team will return on December 20th.

More details will be posted here as they arrive.