January 12, 2026 Tsunami: Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Reference #14244 [unofficial translation]:

giant wave that took tourists and residents by surprise caused the death of one person and left at least 35 injured in Santa Clara del Mar. This tragic event, which also affected beaches in Mar del Plata, highlighted a rare climatic phenomenon, described by experts as a type of “storm surge” or “meteotsunami.”

According to eyewitness accounts, the sea water began to recede abruptly from the coast before the huge wave appeared “almost like a wall” and broke with unusual force […] The phenomenon was not limited to Santa Clara del Mar. The capital of Mar del Plata reported that the “storm surge” also hit the beaches in that town. The Mar del Plata newspaper described how “the sea receded several meters from the coast and then rose abruptly, surprising Mar del Plata residents and tourists who were enjoying the shore at various resorts in the city and the region.”

Reference #14245 [unofficial translation]:

Fernando Oreiro, Servicio de Hidrografia Naval (SHN): “[…] Yesterday, Monday the 12th, the meteotsunami on the Argentine coast was generated by local conditions: changes in atmospheric pressure.”

Reference #14246 [unofficial translation]:

Authorities confirmed one fatality and several injuries, as well as damage to coastal promenades, businesses, and boats. Videos shared by residents and the media show the sudden advance of the water, as if the tide had “jumped” several steps in seconds.

According to data from the Mar del Plata tide gauge, the sea began to show significant variations at around 4:00 p.m., with a sudden drop of about 60 cm followed by an immediate rise of about 80 cm.

Note: some news outlets report a 5-6 meter wave; this is currently unsubstantiated as no further information included (i.e., source, location etc.). Reference #14249 provides a statement from Dr. Federico Isla (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata) clarifying a 5 m wave was not observed.