February 2, 1920 Tsunami: Solomon Sea, Papua New Guinea

1920, February 2, 11:22:18 UTC, 6.6 S, 150 E, shallow depth, magnitude 7.7 MS. (reference #2666)

1920, February 2, 21:12. Remarks from Report from District Office, Gasmata, 9 February 1920: On the night of Monday last, 2nd instant, at 9:12 pm a very severe earthquake shock passed over Gasmata. It was, according to Commonwealth Meteorological Forms, about strength 8 or 9, and lasted about 1 minute 10 seconds. Everyone rushed from their houses, and the natives were somewhat terrified. The newly re-built jetty was semi-demolished; fissures about 2 inches wide appeared in parts of the Island; many bottles of drugs and medicines in the hospital were broken; the old troops bungalow in the middle of the island has jumped forward off its studs, and broke stringers and cross-pieces. After the quake the harbour water rushed out the main entrance into the sea in a swift torrent but DID NOT RETURN, the result has been that the tides now reach about 20 to 24 inches lower than previous high-water mark. Much dead fish were left stranded on the reefs, and with an unfavourable wind the stench from same is still very strong. On the morning of the 2nd inst., a very heavy swell set in from SSW and continued all day, although no bad weather had happened around here. Whether this had anything to do with the quake I cannot say. The quake seemed to come from that direction, and seemed to pass away towards Talasea. The rumbling and trees knocking in the mountains inland could be heard for minutes afterwards. At Lindenhafen, two of the three houses (European built) collapsed like a pack of cards (which speaks well of the work put in on our bungalow, built by Pte. Burston), and Mr. Ross the Manager, had a narrow escape from injury.

For 48 hours after the main quake (which did all the damage) tremors of from 30 to 40 seconds duration happened half-hourly, and since then they have happened about six daily. Gasmata island is now joined to Abelle island - previously separated by water.

The tremors in this District before this time were practically nil, perhaps one or two per year, just faintly perceptible. The natives say that, about 20 years ago, there was a tidal wave, which much damage to life and property.

(above from reference #99)