May 31, 1895 Tsunami: Northern Chile

Reference #11690:

South American advices, brought by the steamer San Blas today, state that the south coast of Peru and the coast of Chile north of Valparaiso have been visited by a tidal wave, which has done a great deal of damage.

Earthquake shocks disturbed the coastline, and at Serena, on May 30th, a severe earthquake, lasting forty-five seconds occurred. At 3:55 on the same day another shock followed, felt all along the coast, and on May 31st there were several shocks, and after one of them the sea made an eruption inland to a distance of 200 meters.

At Cobija, on June 1st, the steamer Mendoza was unable to enter, owing to the rough state of the sea. The pier in Manchilla Bay has been swept away. At Chanaral, Chile the sea was greatly agitated, and the destruction of the telegraph cables was threatened. The sea rose considerable, and the water entered 150 yards inland, inundating the telegraphic office. At Guanillos the wharf, a lighter and the sloop Tarapaca were destroyed. At Tocopilla two lighters were sunk. The wharf belonging to the Tocopilla establishment was destroyed and the railway wharf damaged. Callao Harbor suffered from a very high tide, but very little damage was done.

Reference #11689:

According to advices received at Lima from the Northern ports, the recent tidal wave, or series of high seas, which swept over the coast of Peru, completely destroyed the docks at Salaverry and Chimbote, and seriously damaged those at Huacho, Pacasmayo and Eten. The launches and boats at all these ports were lost.

Reference #11692:

A tidal wave has occurred on the northern Pacific coast of Peru, and the cable between Callao and Arica is broken. Much damage has occurred at Mollendo, which is also a cable station, and which is the terminus of a railway to Arequipa and Puno, and has an elegant railway station. Other seaports are also reported as having sustained much damage from the tidal wave.

Reference #11716: May 28 to 31.-PERU ..A .ND CHILE.-San Francisco, July 19.-South American advices brought by the steamer San Blas today state that the south coast of Peru and the coast of Chile north of Valparaiso have been visited by a tidal wave which has done a great deal of damage. Earthquake shocks preceded the marine disturbance, and at Serena on May 28, at 1.30 a. m., a severe earthquake lasting forty-five seconds occurred. At 3.55 o'clock another shock followed. The shocks were felt along the coast, and on May 31 there were several severe shocks, and after one of them the sea made an incursion inland to a