Indonesia's Deadliest Tsunamis: A List of Major Events Causing Thousands of Fatalities

Throughout history, Indonesia has been struck by a number of the largest tsunamis ever recorded. These natural disasters have resulted in hundreds and thousands of deaths.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded that the largest tsunami in Indonesia occurred in Aceh in 2004. The death toll from this Aceh tsunami is estimated at 227,898.

The tsunami waves swept the Aceh coast following a shallow earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale (SR). The impact was not limited to Aceh; neighboring countries around the Indian Ocean also suffered from this disaster.

The second largest tsunami occurred in 1883. This devastating event swept the coasts of Lampung and Banten, even reaching Jakarta. The massive eruption of the Krakatoa volcano triggered this tsunami, resulting in 36,000 deaths.

Flores Island experienced a tsunami in 1992 caused by a 7.8 SR earthquake, claiming 2,500 lives. Banda Island suffered two major tsunamis: one in 1899 with 2,460 deaths and another in 1674 with 2,243 deaths.

Here is a list of the largest tsunamis in Indonesia with the highest death tolls:

1. Aceh Tsunami (2004): 227,898 deaths
2. Lampung Coast Tsunami (1883): 36,000 deaths
3. Flores Island Tsunami (1992): 2,500 deaths
4. Banda Island Tsunami (1899): 2,460 deaths
5. Banda Island Tsunami (1674): 2,243 deaths
6. Palu Tsunami (2018): 2,037 deaths
7. Bali Island Tsunami (1815): 1,200 deaths
8. Pangandaran Tsunami (2006): 664 deaths
9. Mentawai Islands Tsunami (2010): 456 deaths
10. Banyuwangi Tsunami (1994): 250 deaths

The Indonesian tsunami disaster made headlines on December 14, 2021. BMKG reported a 7-centimeter-high tsunami hitting two areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This tsunami followed a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Larantuka, NTT.