August 22, 2008 Tsunami: SW. Corinth Gulf, Greece

According to press reports, published on 23 August 2008, in the early afternoon of 22 August 2008, a sea wave of height h~2 m was observed in the coastal zone stretching from Akrata to Panagopoula, southwestern Corinth Gulf, but mainly from Valimitika to Loggos. It was reported that four persons were injured in their effort to escape. Soon after the event, one of us communicated with Mr. G. Zetos, Delfi Hotel, near Eratini, northwestern coast. He reported that the wave was also observed along the coast of the hotel, with a height of ~1.5 m. Three waves were reported there, arriving a few minutes apart from each other. The wave penetrated inland to about 10–15 m, causing the removal of graves and sand. No earthquake was registered before or after the tsunami, while port authorities verified that no sizable boat sailed in the area at that time. On the other hand, the weather was reported calm. We suggest that the wave was likely generated by an aseismic submarine landslide. The area is prone to aseismic coastal and submarine landslides causing local but powerful tsunamis, such as the ones that occurred in 1963 and 1996. (reference #13900)

Note: lat/long of the source location is unknown, location provided in database is strictly for a general geographic understanding.