A surge wave left a two by twelve inch (5.2 x 31 cm) plank in a truck tire at Whittier, Alaska. Whittier incurred $10 million in property damage (1964 dollars). The tsunami that struck Whittier was generated by one of the largest shocks ever recorded on the North American Continent and the most destructive in Alaska's history. This was a magnitude 9.2 (Mw) earthquake. One of the waves, probably the same one that caused the major damage in Whittier, reached a height of 31.7 m above low tide. At Whittier the waves destroyed: two saw mills; the Union Oil Company tank farm, wharf and buildings; the Alaska Railroad depot; numerous frame dwellings; and the railroad ramp handling towers at the Army pier. The waves also caused great damage to the small boat harbor. The tsunami killed thirteen people at Whittier, a community of 70 people.

Image Credit: U.S. Geological Survey