July 7, 1873 Tsunami: Nc. Chile/ Sc. Chile

1873. On Kyuyo Island (Ryukyu Islands), there were unusual flood tides and oscillations in the water level in wells; date and month not indicated (Anon., 1961). The effects described in this catalogue are explained by the Chilean earthquake on July 7, 1873 at 2:30 and the the accompanying tsunami The catalogue of Iida -et -al. (1967, reference #79) considers this explanation unlikely. In fact, the older catalogues (Fuchs, 1874; Goll, 1903; Montessus de Ballore, 1912) give the following account.

The earthquake of July 7 completely destroyed La Ligua, more or less destroyed Quillota, and did great damage to Limache and Petorca. There were victims. The earthquake lasted little more than a minute at the epicenter, and was accompanied by a thunderous rumble and was stronger than all preceding earthquakes in the 19th century. The homes rocked like ships in a storm at sea. The earthquake was felt at least from Mendosa and San Juan (Argentina) where it took the form of strong shocks, to 350 km from the coast out to sea and from Copiapo to Concepcion. The earthquake was accompanied by numerous recurrent shocks.

The surface of the sea was calm for many days before and after the earthquake, as well as during these events.

(above from reference #415)