Alaska 2025 tsunami was second-highest ever, taller than Empire State Building

A massive landslide in Alaska's Tracy Arm Fjord on August 10, 2025, generated the second-highest tsunami ever recorded. The localized wave reached an astonishing 481 meters (1,578 feet), exceeding the height of the Empire State Building. This powerful surge stripped vegetation from the fjord's steep granite walls. Fortunately, the tsunami occurred at 5:30 AM, before any tourist vessels were present, resulting in no injuries. The event highlights the dramatic geological forces at play within this popular natural landmark.

A massive megatsunami, the second tallest ever recorded, occurred last summer in a remote Alaskan fjord. Scientists have determined that the immense wave, reaching nearly 500 meters high, was triggered by a colossal landslide of approximately 64 million cubic meters of rock plunging into the sea. This event, caused by tiny earthquakes, created significant destruction in Tracy Arm Fjord. Researchers noted that the timing of the tsunami, in the early morning hours, narrowly avoided disaster for nearby tourist cruise ships. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with melting glaciers and geological instability in the region.

A massive rockslide into Alaska's Tracy Arm fjord on August 10, 2025, generated the world's second-tallest tsunami, reaching 481 meters high. This event, triggered by a 1-kilometer vertical collapse onto the South Sawyer glacier, occurred in an area frequently visited by cruise ships. Researchers warn that climate change is increasing the likelihood of such glacier-retreat-fueled rockslides, posing a significant risk to maritime tourism. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred during this "near-miss" event, though several large passenger vessels were scheduled to enter the fjord shortly after. The study, published in Science, highlights the growing danger of landslides and tsunamis in coastal environments.