January 4, 1907 Tsunami: NW. Sumatra, Indonesia

Reference #414:

On January 4, 1907, at 12:20 [local time] there was a strong earthquake with source off the western coast of the northern part of Sumatra Island. A tsunami arose and caused great destruction on Simeulue Island. It was observed on the entire coast of Atjeh, in Tapanuli bay, on the Mentawai Islands, at Gunungsitoli, Pulu Boanga, Natal, Barus, Meulaboh, Kualabeu, Puluradja and Pulu Tello, and it was also registered by the tide gauge at Padang (at Telukbajur). About 400 people died.

The later recollections that at the time when the Hinako Islands were devastated by an earthquake, the sea at Sibolga retreated from shore, and then a tidal wave appeared and flooded huts, apparently relate to these same events.

Reference #1122:

1907, January 4. Destructive tidal waves at the Isle of Sinialoer, observed all along the coasts of Atjeh, Tapaiioeli and the Mentawei Isles. (Nat. Tijdschr. 68, 1909, p. 132).

Reference #112:

1907, January. Sumatra. Earthquake and wave reported from the west coast.

Reference #12540:

On 4 January 1907, an earthquake occurred off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, with an instrumental surface wave magnitude (MS) in the range of 7.5-8.0 at periods of ~40 s. The tsunami it generated was destructive on the islands of Nias and Simeulue, where it killed hundreds and gave rise to the legend of the S'mong. This tsunami was also observed in other parts of the Indian Ocean basin. Relative to its instrumented magnitude, the size of the tsunami was anomalous, qualifying the event as a "tsunami earthquake".

As many as 370 people were killed on Nias, and at least 1818 lives were lost on Simeulue.

Reference #12917:

400 deaths