February 22, 1798 Tsunami: Matina, Costa Rica

A local tsunami was reported at Matina, Costa Rica. Gonzalez (Reference #1539) writes of unusual sea noises between 7 and 8 pm.

22 February 1798. Probable tsunami. Gonzalez-Viquez (1910, reference #1539) reproduces the report of earthquakes from the Commander of Matina on 22 February 1798, who also said “since the earthquakes started, the sea is so restless that it seems is going to come over us” (p. 16; translated by the authors). This description very likely corresponds to a tsunami but again could have an alternate explanation such as wind waves. Also, there is only one report at one place and from one source and thus we classified this event as probable tsunami. Although this event is referred to Matina, the correct location of the report is Boca Matina, the mouth of Matina river. This event is included at the Tsunami Catalogue for Central America 1539-1996 (Molina, 1997; reference #273) and the authors did not find new information related to this event. (reference #12928)

According to [Reference #1539] the Lieutenant at Matina, Costa Rica, sent a note to Governor Acosta on February 22, 1798 which says: "Last night between 7 and 8 a strong sound coming from the sea left in horror most of the inhabitants of this village. Six to eight minutes after this terrifying sound the ground started to shake"....." Added to this the sea became turbulent, right from the moment the quake started, in such a manner that seems it is going to swallow us all. Due to the fact that this land is easy to flood and the terrain so contemptible me and all the dwellers of this village have decided to leave for high ground ...." (reference #1574)