July 15, 1853 Tsunami: Cumana, Venezuela

A violent earthquake in Cumana, Venezuela, was followed by a probable tsunami several meters high. Houses were destroyed at Sabana de Salgado, Puerto Sucre. Sabana de Caiguire was also affected. (ref #537).

Cumana crashed in a few minutes; more than 1,000 dead (ref #1557)

1853, July 15. A violent earthquake occurred near Cumana [MS~6.7], followed by tsunamis at Sabana de Salgado, Sabana de Caiguire, Puerto Sucre, and Cumana, which Singer called a mar de leva excepcionale [exceptional rise or threat of the sea]. Dwellings were destroyed at Puerto Sucre. Cumana was devastated and 113 perished. Montadon reported more than 1,000 fatalities in the region. The total death tolls were estimated variously as 600, 800, l000, and 4,000. An active fault ruptured at Caiguire and Sabana del Penon with displacement east to west along the length of the fault. Crevices opened in the terrain, which poured out salty water. El Dique, Cumani, collapsed and sank 15 m. Centeno-Grau said that the earthquake, followed by maremotos [tsunamis], had coincided with temblors occurring in the Antilles. Berninghausen, 1968; Centeno-Graii, 1969; Fiedler, 1961; Grases, 1971; Heck, 1947; Milne, 1912; Montadon, 1962; Perrey, 1854b & 1858; Robson, 1964; Singer et al., 1983. V4... For example, 113 deaths reported at Cumana, Venezuela, in 1853 or total death tolls (probably mostly from the earthquake) for that wide-ranging event variously estimated as 600, 800, 1,000, and 4,000, were not included in the tallies. (ref#1492)

A ship felt the upsurge in front of Coche Island[...]The victims of this earthquake exceed 1000 because almost all the people who were quartered perished buried in the rubble of the barracks. Among the civilians there were: 100 dead Santa Ines, Altagracias 13. The injured were numerous. [translated] (ref #492)

1853, July 15. Venezuela, Cumana (10o28' N, 64o10' W. A violent earthquake was followed by a tsunami. (ref #43)

1853, July 15. Venezuela, Cumana. Violent earthquake followed by a tidal wave. (ref #132)

1853, July 15. Cumana, El Dique sunk 15 meters. Sabana de Salgado homes destroyed. (ref #410)

The weather was clear and cloudless. Up to 2 h. of the afternoon, a sea breeze was felt. The wind shifted to the south, and at 2 h. ½, a first shock occurred. The people thought it was one of those light oscillations to which they are accustomed. A few minutes later, a violent convulsion broke and was accompanied by a terrible noise and a deep darkness from falling buildings, which collapsed all at once with a terrible crash.

The number of people who died was more than 600. Others say 800, 1000, and even 4000.

All public buildings collapsed. All individuals' houses were toppled, with the exception of a few still standing, but completely uninhabitable.

The oscillation was vertical. The sea withdrew, leaving to see several meters from the shore, and then returned, surrounding the entire city.

The river Mauzanares, that crossed the city, rose two meters, and its bridge collapsed. In several places it formed large cavities which sprang sheets of boiling water. The city of Cumana disappeared in a few minutes.

Barcelona and other cities of the Cote-Ferme felt this commotion, but the details are missing. -The tremors have certainly renewed, but I have no information and I can not expect any from an unfortunate country given over to civil war.

(above from ref#1532)

There was a tsunami of 5 to 6 meters, which flooded an extension of 200 varas across the Salado and Caiguire sheets and cracks opened in the ground, some parallel to the Manzanares river; sinks were also found in the sand of Caiguire and Sabana del Penon. [translated] (ref#124)

This maximum run-up height of about 3 m seems to be in good agreement with some 200 m of tsunami inundation. (ref #12526)