Rabaul 11-foot Tsunami July, August 1971 – Photos from George Oakes
George Oakes writes:
“This took place in July/August 1971. There were a lot of earthquakes at the same time. As I understand it, the tsunami was caused by a submarine landslide in the Solomon Sea to the SE of Rabaul. The water in the harbour started rising about lunch time and rose to about 11 feet above normal tide level, then started to recede to about 11 feet below normal tide level. It then came in again to a lesser height (about 10 feet) and so on. This cycle from the highest point to the next highest point took approximately 1.5 hours. This backwards and forwards motion continued into the night until the sea settled back to normal.”
George was born in Rabaul in 1934 and joined what became DDA in 1954. He later transferred to Business Development as Principal Finance Officer and departed PNG in 1975. Postings included Mendi, Lumi, Nuku, Pomio, Kokopo, Rabaul, Lae, and Port Moresby.
Travelodge Car Park - showing level the water reached on a car when it first came in. This was before the second wave came in.
Same car park, same car - a different view
The Travelodge pool after the first wave receded
Taken from Travelodge upstairs after the first wave receded showing water still receeding. The scene is in front of the Yacht Club
Rabaul harbour showing wharf area. The water is now rising for a second time
In front of the Travelodge. Water covering the road as it rises a second time
In front of the Yacht Club - water still rising
Water still rising - note the crossing sign (left)
The front of the Travelodge - water is still rising. Note level of first wave on flag pole bases
In front of the Travelodge - water now nearing its second peak
Travelodge entrance - Water starting to recede after second peak. Roadway covered by about 2ft of water
Travelodge entrance - note high water mark on flag pole bases
Rabaul harbour - water receding fast to below normal levels - note items on harbour floor not normally seen and normal tide mark on wharf
The Travelodge Reception - note high water mark on door and windows
Near Malaguna Road ("Mother" in background)
Damage to "Old Battleship Wharf"
The Beehives and Matupi volcano - tide now almost normal
The associated earthquake also caused some damage
