November 28, 1906 Eruption of Savaii

1905-1911. The Matavanu volcano eruption first began on August 4 of 1905. The flows occasionally generated small tsunamis by avalanching material into the sea. Several tsunami-like waves were observed when the crater was more than usually active. It is interesting to note that several so-called 'tidal' waves have occurred during the eruption. The following were noticed at Matautu by Amtmann Williams November 28th, 1906 5:30 p.m. June 8th, 1907 at noon June 19th, 1907 3 a.m. June 27th, 1907 between 6 & 7 p.m. July 9th, 1907 6:45 p.m. July 25th, 1907 11 a.m. The tide usually rises and falls about 4 feet at Matautu. Most of these waves did not exceed 6 to 8 feet in height, and as many of them occurred at low or half-tide, and there was no heavy sea on at the time, little damage was done, although in several cases the main road of the town was flooded. (above from reference #337)