September 10, 1900 Tsunami: Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

Note: Ref#99 says the events reported on 17 Sept actually refer to the event on 10 Sept. Ref#414 says that the report on 10 Sept event actually refers to the 17 Sept event. Thus, there may have only been one earthquake and tsunami either on Sept 10 or (more likely) on Sept 17.

Reference #99:

1900, September 10, 21:30 UTC, 4 S, 152 E, shallow depth, magnitude 6.8 MS.

Remarks from Anonymous, 1902: 'A severe earth tremor was felt in the Rabaul area at 8 a.m. of 12th September 1900. European homes were damaged, and some lightly built houses collapsed. The shock was accompanied by a tidal wave which did not cause any damage. The tremor appeared to originate near the volcanoes "Father and Son". Minor tremors persisted throughout the day. Date reported should be 11th - Author.

Remarks from New Britain Ralum, AAAS Seismological Committee, 1902, p. 42: While the engineer, chief officer, captain, and passengers were discussing the peculiarity of the atmosphere, a severe shock of earthquake was felt, lasting for fully a minute. Everyone thought the ship was aground. Looking towards the shore, they saw the people rushing out of their houses. After an interval of 20 minutes, another shock was felt for about 20 seconds, and at irregular intervals shocks continued all day until 9 p.m., 32 distinct shocks being felt. The water receded out of the bay after the first shock, leaving the boats on dry land. The natives rushed out for fish, myriad of which were lying high and dry, but their sport was short-lived, as a tidal wave rolled in. Luckily for them the wave was not of great force or volume. After the first shock the lead over the stern showed the three fathom mark awash, but the water came gradually back, and half an hour after six fathoms was obtained. The vessel was then shifted out half a mile into deep water. Captain Tornaros learned afterwards from Mr. Hernsheim that they believed the island Malapia had been lifted four feet. The report stated that the event occurred on Sep. 18 but the description of weather and time of occurrence suggest that the date given is one week in error - Author.

Remarks from New Britain Reperstshoh, AAAS Seismological Committee, 1902, p. 42: 'A terrific shock happened at 7.30. The earth felt as if it had been suddenly lifted up several feet and dumped down again with a thud. The disturbance lasted about three minutes. During the upheaval the sea receded fully 50 feet from the shore, and after an interval of ten minutes rushed in again. So great was the volume of water which receded that the German mail steamer Stellin, which was lying at anchor at Reperstshoh, distinctly touched bottom several times, to the great consternation of those on board'.

Reference #414:

1900 Sept 11. There was a heavy earthquake somewhere, with serious destruction of structures on the Gazelle Peninsula. There were slumps along the shores of Blanche Bay. There was a tsunami. [Apparently, this report refers to the events of 18.IX.1900.]