1964 — March 27, earthquake & tsunamis, Prince William Sound, AK/125; OR/5; CA/13)–143

-146 Mielke, Coleen. 1964 Alaska Earthquake Fatalities. Website. 2022.
–143 Blanchard. (See the State breakouts below which are arranged by locale and names)*
–125 AK
— 13 CA
— 5 OR
–140 Sokolowski (West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Ctr., Nat. Warning Svc., NOAA)
–125 AK
— 11 CA
— 4 OR
–139 Nat. Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. Significant Earthquake Information.
–121 AK
— 15 by earthquake
–106 by tsunami
— 13 CA
— 5 OR
–131 Alaska Earthquake Center. 1964 M9.2 Great Alaskan Earthquake. Univ. of AK Fairbanks.
–115 AK
— 16 OR and CA
–131 McLaughlin. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets. (Direct deaths.)
–115 AK
— 9 earthquake
–108 tsunami
— 16 OR and CA tsunami
–129 USGS. The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunamis – A Modern Perspective…
–125 Gunn. Encyclopedia of Disasters…(Volume 2). Greenwood Press, 2007, pp. 479-483.
–118 Flexner and Flexner. The Pessimist’s Guide to History. 2008, p. 302.

*Blanchard note on my fatality number: My numbers are based on counting named individuals by locale. I believe I have accurate fatality listings for California and Oregon. My Alaskan number the same as Sokolowski/NOAA, though higher than some other cited sources. While I cite at least one source for every listing and rely heavily on the May 1 Associated Press report of the official death toll by the Emergency Services section of the Alaska Department of Public Health, I do not attempt to claim that my death toll number of 124 is authoritative. Given the scale and scope of the tsunami and the fact that many isolated native fisherman would have been on the water or on land near the water, I wonder if one or more were killed yet news of such deaths never made its way to the “list keepers” and the press. There may well have been deaths we will never know of. It is also possible that one or more of the names I have drawn from various sources – primarily newspapers – could be in error. There were a number of instances of names reported in the press as fatalities but later noted as taken off lists – usually without noting a reason – as I note.

Total Alaskan Deaths, Earthquake and Tsunami
–128 Mielke. Earthquake, tsunami, exposure (1), plane crash, AK National Guard members.
–128 Petersburg Press, AK. “State’s Quake Death Toll Now 128.” 4-3-1964, p. 1. Cites AP.
–125 Sokolowski, West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. The Great Alaskan…
–124 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts noted below.
–117 Viscusi. “Insurance and Catastrophes: The Changing Role of the Liability System.” 1995, 178.
–115 Alaska Division of Public Health. “1964 Earthquake Mortality in Alaska.”
–100 death certificates noted tidal wave, drowning, or boating as underlying cause of death.
— 15 earthquake effects
–115 AP. “Official casualty list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6.
–115 McLaughlin, Les. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets. Accessed 7-19-2022.
— 9 earthquake
–108 tsunami
–114 AP. “Quake death toll now totals 114.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, AK. 4-10-1965, p. 2.

Alaska Earthquake Deaths
— 15 NGDC/NOAA, Significant Earthquakes
— 15 USGS. Deaths in the United States from Earthquakes. 2008 update.
— 15 USGS. Historic Earthquakes: Prince William Sound, Alaska, 1964 March 28 03:36 UTC.
— 9 Sokolowski, West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. The Great Alaskan…
–5 Anchorage.
–3 Turnagain Heights.
–1 International Airport.

Alaska Tsunami Deaths
–108 WSSPC (Western States Seismic Policy Council). “1964 Alaska Tsunami.” (Webpage)
–106 Nat. Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. Significant Earthquake Information.
–106 Sokolowski. The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964. SCATWC/NWS/NOAA.
— 98 USGS. Deaths in the United States from Earthquakes, 2008 update.

[For a breakout of Alaska earthquake, tsunami and related deaths see the breakout by locale and names which follows the California and Oregon breakouts below.]

California Tsunami Deaths
–13 Blanchard tally
–11 Crescent City.
— 1 Bolinas Bay.
— 1 Klamath River mouth at Requa.
–13 Mielke. 1964 Alaska Earthquake Fatalities. Website. 2022.
–12 Crescent City. (Inaccurately places Requa/Klamath River death in Crescent City.)
— 1 Bolinas Bay
–11 AP. “Aftermath of Tidal Wave. Crescent City Rolls…Sleeves.” Daily Review, Hayward, CA. 3-30-1964, 10.
–11 Drye. “California Tsunami Victims Recall 1964’s Killer Waves.” Nat. Geographic News, 2005.
–11 Crescent City. Jones and Lubow. Disasters and Heroic Rescues of California. 2006, p. 113.
–11 National Park Service. Redwood History Basic Data. “The Tsunami of 1964.”
–11 NPR/witf. “Tsunami Legacy Lives with People of Crescent City.” 11-18-2005.
–11 Sokolowski. The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964. No date.
–11 USGS. Deaths in the United States from Earthquakes, 2008 update.
Breakout of California Tsunami Deaths:
— 1 Bolinas Bay. Isaac T. Dirksen; tsunami wave swept him off reef, hip waders filled.
–11 Crescent City (March 28)
1. Arrigoni, Adolph. Drowned in B Street home.
2. Clawson, Agatha. Drowned; one of seven killed fleeing by a boat which swamped.
3. Clawson, William. Drowned; one of seven fleeing by boat; boat swamped.
4. Edwards, Earl Floyd, 56. Drowned; one of seven fleeing by boat which swamped.
5. Edwards. Juanita Pearl, 42. Drowned; one of 7 fleeing by boat which swamped; wife of Earl.
6. Fields, Joan, 25. drowned when boat overturned.
7. Hillsberry, Mrs. Lavelle. Body later found in tsunami flooding debris.
8. McGuire, Oren. “…caught in the flooding, suffered a fatal heart attack.”
9. Parks, Jim. Drowned; trailer home/shoe repair shop swept away; overturned.
10. Wright, Bonita Ione, 3. Drowned while fleeing with mother and brother.
11. Wright, William Eugene, 10 months. Drowned’ torn from mother’s arms seeking safety.
— 1 Requa, at Klamath River mouth. USAF Sgt. Donald McClure, 33; fishing; swept up river ½ mile.

Oregon Tsunami and Related Deaths ( 5)
–5 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–5 Dresbeck. Oregon Disasters: True Stories of Tragedy and Survival. 2006, p. 87.
–4 Beverly Beach State Park (McKenzie children)
–1 Seaside (heart attack after the wave)
–5 Mielke, Coleen. 1964 Alaska Earthquake Fatalities. Website. 2022.
–4 Newport. Sokolowski. The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964. No date.
–4 Sullivan. Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters. 208, p. 37.
–4 USGS. Deaths in the United States from Earthquakes, 2008 update.
Breakout by Locality:
–4 Beverly Beach State Park (~7M north of Newport). Monte McKenzie children of Tacoma.
–1 Bobby McKenzie. Missing.
–1 Louie McKenzie. Missing.
–1 Ricky McKenzie. Body recovered.
–1 Tammy McKenzie. Missing.
–1 Seaside. Heart attack; Miss Mary Eva Deis.

Alaskan deaths by locale and name (combined quake, tsunami, restoration deaths):

(Names with no number and highlighted in yellow indicate that the person was on a dead or missing and presumed dead list at some point, but later removed from the list maintained by the State of Alaska.)

Anchorage ( 9)
–9 Alaska Division of Public Health. “1964 Earthquake Mortality in Alaska.”
–9 AP. “Official casualty list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6.
1. Baker, Clayton. Killed when Turnagain area home was wrecked.
David, Joey. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
2. Kleparek, PFC Gary Lynn. Died March 30 of head injuries, falling debris Ft. Richardson club.
3. Knight, Mrs. Leora. Killed when Turnagain area home was wrecked.
Lewines, Irene AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1
Lewines, Norman AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1
4. Martinez, Joseph S. Also noted as J. J. Martinez.
5. Mead, Merrell Peace (Missing and presumed dead.) Child of Dr. and Mrs. Perry Mead.
6. Mead, Perry Jr. (Missing and presumed dead.) Child of Dr. and Mrs. Perry Mead.
Meeks, Brian AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
Nebb, Sydney AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
7. Rustigan, Marie. Killed when wall of the J.C. Penny store collapsed.
8. Styler, Lee. Killed when wall of the J.C. Penny store collapsed.
9. Taylor, William. Killed when airport control tower collapsed.

Anvik ( 0)
–4 Walker, Gloria and 3 children. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News. 4-3-1964, 3.

Cape St. Elias, Kayak Island (1)
1. Reed, Frank O. (USCG) AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News. 4-3-1964, 3.

Chenega (23)
–23 McLaughlin, Les. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets. Accessed 7-19-2022.
–23 AP. “Official casualty list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6.
1. Elashansky, Rhonda
2. Elashansky, Mrs. Sally
3. Elashansky, Steve
4. Evanoff, Jack
5. Evanoff, Nellie
6. Evanoff, Sally
7. Evanoff, Willie
8. Jackson, Arvilla
9. Jackson, Cindy
10. Jackson, Dan
11. Jackson, Dora
12. Kompkoff, Daria
13. Kompkoff, Jean
14. Kompkoff, Joann
15. Kompkoff, Julia Norman
16. Kompkoff, Richard
17. Kompkoff, Willy
18. Selanoff, Jean
19. Selanoff, Robert
20. Selanoff, Thomas Paul
21. Selanoff, William (Billy) AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
22. Totemoff, Philip Jr.
23. Vlasoff, Anna

Cordova ( 1)
Byers, Charles Sr. Heart attack.
1. Joy, Bill. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.

Kodiak Island and nearby islands (19-21)
–20 Blanchard tally from breakouts below – possible one was incorrectly listed a fatality.
–19 Alaska Division of Public Health. “1964 Earthquake Mortality in Alaska.”
–19 AP. “Official…list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6. (10 dead/9 missing)
–18 USGS. “Effects…earthquake of March 27, 1964 on…communities of Kodiak and nearby islands.”
1. Alexandroff, Simmie AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
2. Anderson, Eddie AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
3. Anderson, Mary AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
4. Anderson, Rudy AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
5. Bledsoe, Clarence AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
6. Buschor, Jack (Wallace) AP. “Official casualty list…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6
7. Curry, Maurice. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
8. Fenner, Mabel M. AP. “Partial List of the Dead and…Lost,” Fairbanks Daily News. 4-1-1964, 3.
9. Jones, Bill. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
10. Larson, John. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
11. Layton, Virgil C. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
12. Nielsen, Harry AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-2-1964, p1, 7.
13. Panamaroff, Lawrence. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
14. Reft, Al AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
15. Schultz, Eugene. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
16. Schultz, Rose Marie. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
17. Vosgien, Rickey (Richard ) AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
18. Wallace, Arlene F. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
Wallace, Jack AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
19. Waseli, Eli AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
20. Wyatt, Donald . AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
21. Zeeder, Anakentry. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.

Nowell Point ( 1) Also known as Point Nowell.
1. Erb, Frank AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.

Old Harbor, Kodiak Isl. (1) South-central.
1. Hanson, Jay AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.

Port Ashton ( 1)
1. Blendhein, Alfred. AP. “Official…list of…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6.

Port Nellie Juan ( 3)
1. Chimovsky, Alec. AP. “Official…list of…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, p. 6.
2. Chimovsky. Mrs. Alec. AP. “Official…list of…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, p. 6.
3. Chimovsky, Emmanuel. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.

Seward (13)
–13 Kenai Penninsula Borough. AK Div. of Public Health. “1964 Earthquake Mortality in Alaska.”
–12 Seward-Hope Sub-area
— 1 Kenai-Cook Inlet Sub-area
–13 (3 dead, 10 missing). AP. “Official…list of…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, p. 6.
1. Brossow, Alfred (Fred). Missing; was on a boat in the bay.
2. Elbe, Emil (or Emile ). Dead
3. Finke, Lester (Leslie? ) AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
Hamerly, William. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
Hamerly, Mrs. Wm. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
4. Harrington, Donald. Missing
5. Hatch, Jesse. Missing
6. Moe, Victor Dead; buried in Seward City Cemetery.
7. Osmonovich, Mike. Missing
8. Simmons, Robert (Bob). Missing
9. Simmons, Louise Missing. Also noted as Louise Ellanna (mother of Bob Simmons).
10. Simmons, mother of Louise. Missing
11. Spadaro, Frank Missing
12. Walunga, Frank. Missing
13. Widsom, Alva. Dead (Also noted as Alva Wisdom.)

Valdez (38)
–38 Blanchard. Though official May 1 number was 31, we show 34 and add 4 AKNG plane
crash deaths at Valdez harbor on April 25.
–32 McLaughlin, Les. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets.
–32 Valdez Museum Historical Archive. “Interpretive Panel: US Post Office and Earthquake Victims Memorial.”
–31 Dead. AP. “Official casualty list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6.
–31 AP. “Quake at a Glance. Corpus Christi Times, TX. 3-30-1964, 3. (Dead; missing-presumed dead.)
1. Boddy, Dan Dead. Longshoreman, also noted as Don Brodie.
2. Brown, Freddie Dead. Longshoreman.
3. Buskirk, Jack Van Dead. Longshoreman; also referred to as Jack VanBuskirk.
4. Carricker, Duane Dead. Longshoreman.
5. Cunningham, Dennis, 15. Valdez memorial shows “Dennis M. Rutledge (Cunningham)
6. Granger, Doug las Dead; longshoreman at Valdez dock. Not on official list.
7. Gregorioff, Paul. Longshoreman; dock collapsed from quake and wave. Landslide.
8. Growden, David Lee, son of James. AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News. 4-3-1964, 1.
9. Growden, James W. Watching unloading of freighter Chena with his children; dock collapsed.
10. Growden, James Jr., son of James Wilson Growden. Dead
11. Harrais, Margaret Keenan. Valdez Museum Historical Archive. “…Earthquake Victims Memorial.”
12. Harrison, Robert (Bob) Dead. Harbor longshoreman, collapsed dock area; landslide.
13. Henderson, Harry (Robert? ). Longshoreman.
14. Johnson, Sam AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
15. Joslyn, Chester George. Dead. Longshoreman.
16. Knudsen (or Knutsen ), Stanley, 14. Dead
17. Kraiger, Howard H. Dead. Harbor longshoreman, collapsed dock area; landslide.
Kulsted, Pat AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 1.
18. Kulstad, Mrs. Robert. Dead. Valdez memorial lists name as “Georgia ‘Pat’ Kulstad.”
19. McCoy, Ross. Dead. Longshoreman.
20. Mueller, Donald. Longshoreman.
21. O’Leary, Donald. Longshoreman.
22. Robinson, Richard Dead. Longshoreman.
23. Schmidt, William W. (Dutch). Dead. Longshoreman.
24. Stapp, Sterling (or Sterlin O. Stapp ) Dead
25. Stuart, Earl (Smokey) Dead (Family of six; though it appears this was family of five.)
26. Stuart, Mrs. Sammie Marie. Dead
27. Stuart, Deborah, 9 Dead
28. Stuart, Janice, 7. Dead
29. Stuart, Larry, 12 Dead
30. Tabasco, George Dead
31. Thompson, Ralph E., 3rd mate of freighter Chena; went into shock, heart attack Mar 28.
32. Wheeler, Phillip G. Dead. Longshoreman.
33. Williams, Milton (Bud). Dead. Longshoreman.
34. Zook, Gerald (Jerry) Dead. Longshoreman.
35. Brigadier Gen. Thomas Carroll. AK NG plane crash Apr 25 after dropping off Gov. Egan.
36. Lt. Col. Thomas Norris. AK NG airplane crash Apr 25 after dropping off Gov. Egan.
37. Major James Rowe. AK NG airplane crash Apr 25 after dropping off Gov. Egan.
38. Tech. Sergeant Kenneth Ayers. AK NG plane crash Apr 25 after dropping off Gov. Egan.

Whittier (13)
–13 Associated Press. “Official…list…dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, p. 6.
(1 dead and 11 missing according to AK Emergency Health Services, Dept. of Health)
1. Barnes, David George. Missing
2. Barnes, Mickey Lee Missing
3. Barnes, Ricky Dean Missing
4. Barnes, Vicky AP. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-3-1964, 3.
5. Damon, Frances Missing
6. Damon, Larry Missing
7. Day, Leonard Missing
8. Day, Mrs. Leonard Missing
9. Michelson, Keith Missing
10. Mickelson, Lewis Carol, 32.”
11. Michelson, Randy Missing
12. Michelson, Theresa Lee. Missing
13. Ware, Gerrianne Dead.

Narrative Information
All Earthquake and Tsunami and Related Deaths

Mielke: “When you search the Internet for specific Alaska earthquake fatality statistics, you are going to find a wide variety of numbers. Some sources list only those that perished in Alaska; other sources add those who perished hours later due to tidal waves in California and Oregon.

“I have tried to include the names of everyone who died as the result of the 1964 Earthquake, including those who lost their lives while helping others and those that died from earthquake generated trauma such as heart attacks.

“I’ve also included two babies that aren’t on other lists; one that died of exposure right
after the earthquake and one that was born prematurely and couldn’t get necessary medical
help because of the earthquake. I’ve also included the names of 4 Alaska National Guard
members who died when their plane crashed right after take-off. The men had just
delivered humanitarian aid to the devastated town of Old Valdez.”

[On this website is an alphabetical list of fatalities, noting where fatality occurred and notes related to the death, frequently noting year of birth or age. Notes that her website is the result of 30 years of research.] (Mielke, Coleen. 1964 Alaska Earthquake Fatalities. Website. 2022.)

Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: “The 1964 Alaska Earthquake, also known as the Great Alaska Earthquake and the Good Friday Earthquake, was a megathrust quake that began at 5:36 P.M. AST on March 27, 1964. It had a moment magnitude of 9.2, making it the second largest earthquake on record. Lasting nearly three minutes, it was the most powerful recorded earthquake in U.S. and North American history. Ground fissures and failures caused major structural damage in several communities. Anchorage sustained great destruction or damage to many inadequately earthquake engineered houses, buildings, and infrastructure particularly in the several landslide zones along Knik Arm.

“Two hundred miles southwest, some areas of coastline near Kodiak and Hinchinbrook Island were permanently raised by 30 feet. Southeast of Anchorage, areas around the head of Turnagain Arm, Girdwood was confined to the southern side of the Seward Highway when water rushed in and flooded or destroyed any buildings standing to the north of the highway. Girdwood and Portage dropped as much as 8 feet, requiring reconstruction and fill to raise the Seward Highway above the new high tide mark.

“In the Port of Valdez, a massive underwater landslide occurred, resulting in the deaths of 30 people between the collapse of the Valdez city harbor and docks, and inside the ship that was docked there at the time. Nearby, a 27-foot high tsunami destroyed the village of Chenega, killing 23 of the 68 people who lived there. The survivors out-ran the wave, climbing to high ground. Most coastal towns in the Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak Island areas, especially the major ports of Seward, Whittier and Kodiak were heavily damaged by a combination of seismic activity, subsidence, post-quake tsunamis and/or earthquake-caused fires. Near Cordova, the Million Dollar Bridge crossing the Copper River collapsed. Valdez was not totally destroyed, but after three years, the town relocated to higher ground 4 miles west of its original site.

“There were thousands of aftershocks for three weeks, following the main shock. In the first day alone, eleven major aftershocks were recorded with a magnitude greater than 6.2. Nine more occurred over the next three weeks. It was not until more than a year later that the aftershocks were no longer noticed.” (Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake History.”)

McLaughlin: “Good Friday, March 27th, 1964. It was a quiet afternoon across Alaska, but the silence would soon be broken. And there would be little good on this good Friday.

“At 5:36 p.m. Alaska Time, the first rumble was first heard in towns and villages near the earthquake’s epicenter in Prince William Sound. The land began to shake. Not an unusual event in this earthquake prone region of the world. But it seemed the shaking would never end. When it did, four or five minutes later, Alaska was centre stage of the largest earthquake in North American history.

“The magnitude 8.6 earthquake was centered in Prince William Sound off the coast of south-central Alaska. It was 22 kilometers under the earth’s surface and about 88 kilometers west of Valdez. The earthquake caused many avalanches, landslides, and, worst of all, a huge tsunami.

“The effects of the tsunami were felt all around the Pacific rim. It was the highest at Shoup Bay on Valdez Inlet, at 67 meters. Even Port Alberni on Vancouver Island received a tsunami wave measuring 6.4 meters. The tsunami waves were also recorded as far away as Hawaii, Japan, Chile, and Antarctica.

“In Anchorage, huge landslides pummeled the downtown business section. An upscale development known as Turnagain Heights is where the largest and most devastating landslide occurred. It destroyed about 75 homes and severely damaged water and gas mains, sewer and telephone lines, and disrupted electrical systems.

“In the town of Old Valdez, the freighter SS Chena had just docked with the first fresh fruit and goods of the season. It was customary for the people of Valdez to be at the docks when the ships came in. There were many adults and children on the dock when the quake struck, triggering a huge slide that caused millions of cubic yards of earth to slip into the Valdez Bay. Thirty-two people, mostly children, died.

“In the Aleut village of Chenega, 23 people died when a 90-foot tsunami washed over the local beach packed with people waiting for an evening movie to begin.

“Most towns, especially the ports such as Seward and Kodiak, were heavily hit by a combination of seismic damage, tsunamis, and fire. A two-meter wave reached Prince Rupert, about three hours after the quake. It then headed for Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and travelled up a fjord to strike Port Alberni twice, damaging 375 homes and washing away 55 others. Luckily, no one was killed.

“However, the Good Friday Alaska earthquake directly resulted in 131 deaths. Alaska alone recorded 115 fatalities, 106 of which were caused by the tsunami. The other 16 deaths occurred in Oregon and California and were also caused by the tsunami.

“For an earthquake of this magnitude, the death toll was remarkably small. But the drama wasn’t over. For days, eleven aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes over a remarkable 6 on the Richter scale. Total damage from the earthquake and tsunami was between $400 and $500 million … which translates into billions of dollars in today’s currency.” (McLaughlin, Les. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets. Accessed 7-19-2022.)

Sokolowski on Earthquake: “The great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 was the largest earthquake in North America and the second largest ever recorded (largest occurred in Chile in 1960). The nine deaths that were due to the earthquake occurred in downtown Anchorage (5), Turnagain Heights (3), and at the International Airport (1). The earthquake occurred at 5:36 pm on March 27, 1964, Alaska Standard Time (or, at 03:36 Universal Time code on March 28, 1964). The epicenter was in the Northern Prince William Sound (61.1N 147.5W) about 75 miles E of Anchorage, or about 55 miles west of Valdez. The reported Richter magnitudes (Ms) for this earthquake ranged from 8.4 to 8.6. The moment magnitude (Mw) is reported as 9.2. The depth, or point where the rupture began was about 14 miles within the earth’s crust.

“The strong ground motion reported in the Anchorage area lasted about 4-5 minutes which triggered many avalanches and landslides – some being tsunamigenic. Ground deformations were extensive with some areas east of Kodiak being raised by 30 feet and areas about Portage being dropped by 8 feet. The rise is estimated to come in two thrusts of about 5 meters each. The maximum intensity reported was XI on the modified Mercalli Intensity scale, indicating major structural damage, and ground fissures and failures. This scale is a 12-point one usually given in roman numerals ranging from I, (not felt/no damage) to XII (total destruction many lives lost). From this event, significant damage covered an area of about 50,000 square miles. Intensities of IV-V (felt by most people/minor damage) were reported as far away as Cold Bay, Bethel, McGrath, Kotzebue, Deadhorse, Ft. Yukon, Eagle and Skagway.” (Sokolowski, West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, The Great Alaskan…)

Sokolowski on Earthquake and Tsunamis: “The 1964 earthquake caused 115 deaths in Alaska alone, with 106 of these due to tsunamis which were generated by tectonic uplift of the sea floor, and by localized subaerial and submarine landslides. The earthquake shaking caused at least 5 local slide generated tsunamis within minutes after the shaking began. (In general, slide/slump induced tsunamis are generated within a few minutes after an earthquake starts.) These five occurred at Valdez(2), Seward, Whittier, and Kachemak Bay. As an example and in brief summary: In Seward, a section of the water front (1070m) slid into the Resurrection Bay due to the earthquake shaking. This created a local tsunami causing much damage and the spreading of oil which was on fire and floating on the water. About 20 minutes after this occurred, the first wave of the main tsunami arrived. The 11-13 fatalities in Seward were due to the local and the main tsunami…. The largest wave height for this tsunami was reported at Shoup Bay, Valdez Inlet (67 meters).”

— 32 Valdez Disastrous to town
— 1 Shoup Bay Cabin destroyed
— 23 Chenega Village destroyed
— 12 Whittier $10 million damage
— 12 Seward Disastrous to town, waterfront, boats, railroad
— 3 Kaguyak, Kodiak Third wave destroyed a village
— 1 Old Harbor Village nearly destroyed
— 8 Kodiak 158 houses destroyed
— 3 Port Nellie Juan Dock destroyed
— 6 Kalsin Bay
— 1 Port Ashton
— 1 Cape St. Elias
— 1 Point. Nowell 2 cabins destroyed
— 1 Spruce Cape
— 1 Whitshed 10 cabins destroyed (Sokolowski, The Great Alaskan…)

(Sokolowski, The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964, SCATWC/NWS/NOAA)

USGS, Historic Earthquakes: “This great earthquake and ensuing tsunami took 128 lives (tsunami 113, earthquake 15), and caused about $311 million in property loss. Earthquake effects were heavy in many towns, including Anchorage, Chitina, Glennallen, Homer, Hope, Kasilof, Kenai, Kodiak, Moose Pass, Portage, Seldovia, Seward, Sterling, Valdez, Wasilla, and Whittier.

“Anchorage, about 120 kilometers northwest of the epicenter, sustained the most severe damage to property. About 30 blocks of dwellings and commercial buildings were damaged or destroyed in the downtown area. The J.C. Penny Company building was damaged beyond repair; the Four Seasons apartment building, a new six-story structure, collapsed; and many other multistory buildings were damaged heavily. The schools in Anchorage were almost devastated. The Government Hill Grade School, sitting astride a huge landslide, was almost a total loss. Anchorage High School and Denali Grade School were damaged severely. Duration of the shock was estimated at 3 minutes.

“Landslides in Anchorage caused heavy damage. Huge slides occurred in the downtown business section, at Government Hill, and at Turnagain Heights. The largest and most devastating landslide occurred at Turnagain Heights. An area of about 130 acres was devastated by displacements that broke the ground into many deranged blocks that were collapsed and tilted at all angles. This slide destroyed about 75 private houses. Water mains and gas, sewer, telephone, and electrical systems were disrupted throughout the area.

“The earthquake was accompanied by vertical displacement over an area of about 520,000 square kilometers. The major area of uplift trended northeast from southern Kodiak Island to Prince William Sound and trended east-west to the east of the sound. Vertical displacements ranged from about 11.5 meters of uplift to 2.3 meters of subsidence relative to sea level. Off the southwest end of Montague Island, there was absolute vertical displacement of about 13-15 meters. Uplift also occurred along the extreme southeast coast of Kodiak Island, Sitkalidak Island, and over part or all of Sitkinak Island. This zone of subsidence covered about 285,000 square kilometers, including the north and west parts of Prince William Sound, the west part of the Chugach Mountains, most of Kenai Peninsula, and almost all the Kodiak Island group.

“This shock generated a tsunami that devastated many towns along the Gulf of Alaska, and left serious damage at Alberni and Port Alberni, Canada, along the West Coast of the United States (15 killed), and in Hawaii. The maximum wave height recorded was 67 meters at Valdez Inlet. Seiche action in rivers, lakes, bayous, and protected harbors and waterways along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas caused minor damage. It was also recorded on tide gages in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

“This great earthquake was felt over a large area of Alaska and in parts of western Yukon Territory and British Columbia, Canada.” (USGS. Historic Earthquakes: Prince William Sound, Alaska, 1964 March 28 03:36 UTC)

Oregon and California Tsunami Deaths

Crescent City, CA — Narrative Information

Drye: “Their waterfront town of about 7,500 was devastated when a tsunami swept in from the Pacific Ocean early on March 28, 1964. The business district was leveled, and 11 people were killed.

“On the afternoon of March 27, 1964, Alaska was shaken by an earthquake… Life magazine reported that the quake unleashed “more than 2,000 times the power of the mightiest nuclear bomb ever detonated and 400 times the total of all nuclear bombs ever exploded.” From its center beneath Prince William Sound, the quake sent a tsunami rippling across the Pacific and down the coasts of Canada and the United States. Crescent City was a sitting duck for these waves,,,

One survivor “was in his family’s bar celebrating his father’s 54th birthday with his parents, his fiancé, and a few friends when a 21-foot (6.4-meter) wave swept into the harbor. “We were in the tavern when the wall of water came in,” he recalled. “It took the building away, probably went back 100 yards [about 100 meters] or so.”…. when the deadly wave receded, it sucked the occupants into a large culvert….

“Dawn’s light revealed stupefying destruction. Crescent City’s business district was gone, and fuel tanks near the harbor were afire. Automobiles, debris, and the ruins of buildings were piled in seaweed-covered heaps. “When daylight came, we were just dumbfounded,” [Crescent City Civil Defense Director Bill] Parker said. “We couldn’t believe what we were seeing.”

“Crescent City is the only town in the continental United States where people have been killed by a tsunami. Reminders of the tragedy are abundant in the town, and residents take tsunami warnings very seriously.” (Drye 2005)

National Park Service on 1964 tsunami: “In the last week of March, a terrific earthquake, which registered 8.8 on the Richter scale, devastated Anchorage, Alaska, and other points in Kenai Peninsula of the 49th State. Unknown to residents of the Humboldt Coast, the quake sent a tidal wave, or more properly a tsunami, racing south westward at a speed of 500 miles per hour.

“Shortly before midnight on March 28, a huge wave struck the Crescent City area. Houses and businesses on Front Street were first to feel the destructive force, as the water “moved into the city bringing with it logs and debris.” Unlike tidal waves of the movies, the tsunami was characterized by a rapid raising of the water with smaller waves riding its crest. As the first wave subsided, officers of the Del Norte County sheriff’s department and the city police advanced into the area to survey the damage, to discourage looters, and to control sightseers.

“As the officers were starting to clear the downtown area, a second wave swept in. At the time of its arrival, Front Street was choked with wreckage which in places blocked traffic. The second wave struck with less force than the first, as did the third. But the fourth, a raging torrent, swept across part of the city with a violence that “literally tore up business and private buildings, and in some instances carrying complete buildings considerable distances from their foundations.” Power and communication lines went down. Automobiles were smashed, and in many cases left upside down or through store fronts. Receding, the fourth wave left in its wake a large area of “total destruction, and many families searching for loved ones.”

“Ten-month-old William Eugene Wright was torn from his mother’s arms by the surging flood sea tide, as she sought to reach safety. William and his sister Bonita Ione, age 3, were drowned. The waves, which at some points reached a height of ten feet, claimed the lives of two couples, who with three others were spending the evening in the Long Branch Tavern, near Elk Creek. Driven from the tavern by the waves, the patrons sought to escape in a small boat, which they found nearby. Of the seven, only two men escaped as the craft was swamped. The two couples, the Earl Edwardses and the William Clausens, were drowned, as was Joan Field. Adolph Arrigoni, a long-time resident, was drowned when his home on B Street was engulfed. The 30-foot combination home and shoe repair shop trailer of Jim Parks was swept from its site at Front and Battery streets and overturned, drowning the shoemaker. The body of the 11th victim, Mrs. Lavelle Hillsberry, was found later in the wreckage.

“Emergency Civil Defense units moved in to assist the police and sheriff’s departments to organize clean-up and rescue operations. They were assisted by volunteers, employing all sorts of equipment, to remove debris and logs blocking streets and highways. Leaking butane tanks added to the danger, and emergency crews were turned out to shut them off. Fires broke out along U.S. 101 southeast of Crescent City, destroying the Huskey-Texaco bulk plant and the Union oil plant. They spread to the Nichols Pontiac Garage & Service Station and a nearby body shop. Explosions ripped the five huge storage tanks at the bulk plant, as firemen stood by, helpless.

“A survey showed that 150 stores, motels, and business houses had been destroyed or badly damaged. The Del Norte Triplicate’s plant was wrecked, and the editor estimated damage at $100,000. The recently opened Ben Franklin Store had been smashed by a six-foot wall of water. In the Citizen’s Dock area, buildings were demolished, and the Coast Guard Station swept out into the Pacific.

“Hardly had the water subsided from the fourth and final wave, before scavengers appeared and commenced looting. Liquor stores and taverns were said to be hard hit. Law officers assisted by volunteers, were organized into patrols to “discourage the human vultures who seem to swarm to disaster with but one idea, and that being to gain from other’s losses.” The National Guard was called out by Governor Pat Brown, and, reinforced by army reserve units, cordoned off the section of Crescent City that had felt the fury of the tsunami.

“By Sunday, the 29th, work crews had made “huge strides in the cleaning out the damaged buildings.” Wreckage-choked roads and streets were opened. Along U.S. 101, southeast of the city, highway crews and foresters were hard at work stacking and burning giant piles of driftwood and litter that had covered two miles of highway.

“Crescent City was declared a disaster area by President Johnson. In the ensuing weeks and months, the devastated section of Crescent City was rebuilt in accordance with a well-thought-out master plan.” (National Park Service. Redwood History Basic Data. “The Tsunami of 1964.”)

Newspaper:

March 28: “Crescent City, Calif — A Tidal wave crushed downtown Crescent City early today, took at least 10 lives and ravaged 56 square blocks along its unprotected waterfront. The five-foot high sledgehammer wave, generated by the Alaskan quake, battered down walls, knocked out power and ignited fires which blew up five oil tanks and destroyed numerous businesses. A Del Norte sheriff’s spokesman said more dead were expected to be found in the rubble left by the receding water which crashed against a 14-block strip of Front Street and surged four blocks deep into this Northern California city of 3,000 persons….

“Sheriff’s spokesmen said National Guard troops and policemen were patrolling the disaster area to guard against looting and keep sightseers out. A Red Cross disaster shelter was set up at the county fairgrounds outside of town.

“Crescent City, which sits on a low rim of ground facing the ocean, had no barriers to break the force of the tidal waves.

“Sheriff Oswald Hovgaard said that every one of the city’s 150 downtown shops sustained some damage from the force of the waves.

“Sheriff’s Deputy Eleanor Parson said the wave hit a tavern full of people badly damaging it and nearby buildings. She added that witnesses reported seeing five bodies floating in nearby Elk Creek.

“The water not only flooded the streets, but it knocked out power and set off the five oil tanks at the Hussey Texaco plant. The tanks, each 10 feet in diameter — blew up one by one. Another nearby oil facility, the Union 76 plant, was reported out of danger as the fire began to burn itself out.

“Reports said the fire destroyed the Nickols Pontiac agency and damaged numerous other buildings in the heart of the downtown area.

“The city was flooded from two sides. A lot of the water went up Elk Creek along the edge of town and then back-washed to create flooding in an inland 4-by-8 block area. Gas mains ruptured and power lines burst. Several downtown office buildings slid off their foundations….

“59 are treated for injuries…” (Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Tidal wave kills 10 at Crescent City.” 3-28-1964, p. 1.)

Requa, mouth of Klamath River, CA — Narrative Information

Sokolowski: “1 man drowned.” (The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964.)

March 29: “Klamath–A U.S. Air Force sergeant is missing and presumed dead yesterday after he was swept out to sea by a tidal wave which struck the mouth of the Klamath River here at 12:09 a.m. Beach parties from the Requa-based 777th Radar Squadron, aided by Del Norte sheriff’s deputies, searched the river sides and the beaches yesterday in vain for Sgt. Donald McClure, 33, of Akron, Ohio….

“McClure and another airman, Sgt. Stuart Harrington, 32, were eel fishing in the mouth of the Klamath River at midnight, when the first wave, which had hit Crescent City, struck Requa. Both men were swept off their feet and carried, amid tons of debris, up the river estuary about one-half mile….” (Humboldt Times, Eureka, CA. “Wave Takes Airman Out to Sea.” 3-29-1964, p. 1.)

Depoe Bay beach, OR — Narrative Information

Sokolowski, The Great Alaskan Earthquake/Tsunamis…1964. “4 campers on beach drowned.”

Newspapers

March 28: “Depoe Bay, Ore. — Wave rolls over a Tacoma, Wash., family; one child drowns; three persons missing.” (Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Tidal waves.” 3-28-1964, p. 1.)

March 29: “Tacoma, Wash. (AP) – Mr. and Mrs. Monte G. McKenzie lost the oldest of their five children in a fire eight months ago. Friday night, tidal waves from an Alaska earthquake left them childless. The McKenzies were sleeping on the beach in a state park near Newport, Ore., when the giant waves hit.

“In a telephone call to his pastor here, McKenzie said the first wave swept over the children and they began screaming. Then a second wave hit. ‘There was only a foot of air at the top of the lean-to we were in and we had to struggle to get to it,’ McKenzie said. ‘Logs were thrown at us like match-sticks.’ When the wave receded, the McKenzies found their four children had been swept to sea. The body of Ricky, 6, was recovered. Still missing are Louie, 8, Bobby, 7, and Tammy, 3.

“Their oldest, Susan, 9, died of burns last August when her clothing caught fire as she was trying to start a bonfire.” (Associated Press. “Father Tells How Waves Took 4 Tots.” Independent Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA. 3-29-1964, p. A4.)

March 30: “….Three children were swept out to sea when a wave swept them off a beach at Depoe Bay, Ore. Another was drowned on the each. All were the children of Monte McKenzie of Tacoma, Wash. The Coast Guard said it would start a search today for the missing children, Louis, 8, Bobby 7, and Tammy 3.” (Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Crescent City hunts 15 missing in ruins…” 3-30-1964, p. 1.)

Sources

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake History.” Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://ready.alaska.gov/_64Quake/History

Alaska Division of Public Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records. Alaska Facts and Figures. “1964 Earthquake Mortality in Alaska.” Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/Documents/PDFs/AK_1964_EQ_082219.pdf

Alaska Earthquake Center. 1964 M9.2 Great Alaskan Earthquake. University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Accessed 7-22-2022 at: https://earthquake.alaska.edu/earthquakes/notable/1964-m92-great-alaskan-earthquake

Alaska’s News Source. “NYO team sportsmanship award carries legacy of Gloria Walker.” 4-26-2019. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/NYO-team-sportsmanship-award-carries-Walkers-legacy-509143371.html

ancestors.familysearch.org. “Donald Victor Mueller. 4 October 1925-27 March 1964 (Age 38).” Accessed 7-20-2022: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LVFV-BVT/donald-victor-mueller-1925-1964

ancestors.familysearch.org. “Lewis Carol Mickelson. 27 March 1932-27 March 1964 (Age 32).” Accessed 7-20-2022: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L787-HZX/lewis-carol-mickelson-1932-1964

ancestors.familysearch.org. “Vicki Lurree Barnes. 26 March 1958-27 March 1964 (Age 6).” Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LDFW-XV2/vicki-lurree-barnes-1958-1964

Associated Press. “A Shock, 3 Waves…A Town Is Flattened.” Corpus Christi Times, TX. 3-30-1964, p. 2. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/corpus-christi-times-mar-30-1964-p-3/

Associated Press. “After earthquake, tidal waves. Incomplete list of dead to date.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, AK. 3-30-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-sitka-sentinel-mar-30-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Aftermath of Tidal Wave. Crescent City Rolls Up Its Sleeves.” Daily Review, Hayward, CA. 3-30-1964, p. 10. Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-review-mar-30-1964-p-10/

Associated Press. “Alaska Mayors Review Plight.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, AK. 4-8-1964. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-08-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Chena Docks in Seattle After Quake.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, 4-6-1964, p. 10. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-06-1964-p-10/

Associated Press. “Father Tells How Waves Took 4 Tots.” Independent Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA. 3-29-1964, p. A4. Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/independent-press-telegram-mar-29-1964-p-4/

Associated Press. “Incomplete list of dead to date.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, AK. 3-30-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-sitka-sentinel-mar-30-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 4-2-1964, pp. 1 and 7. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-02-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Latest List of Casualties.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.” 4-3-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-03-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Official casualty list of earthquake dead, missing.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, 5-1-1964, 6. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-sitka-sentinel-may-01-1964-p-6/

Associated Press. “Partial List of the Dead and the Lost,” Fairbanks Daily News. 4-1-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-01-1964-p-1/

Associated Press. “Quake at a Glance. Corpus Christi Times, TX. 3-30-1964, p.3. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/corpus-christi-times-mar-30-1964-p-3/

Associated Press. “Quake death toll now totals 114.” Daily Sentinel, Sitka, AK. 4-10-1965, p. 2. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-sitka-sentinel-apr-10-1964-p-2/

Associated Press. “Richardson GI Among the Dead.” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.” 4-1-1964, p. 3. Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-01-1964-p-3/

Dresbeck, Rachel. Oregon Disasters: True Stories of Tragedy and Survival. Guilford, CT: Insiders’ Guide, an imprint of the Globe Pequot Press, 2006.

Drye, Willie. “California Tsunami Victims Recall 1964’s Killer Waves.” National Geographic News. Accessed at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/pf/45064186.html

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. “Changes Made for Death List.” 4-6-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-06-1964-p-1/

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, AK. “Letters to the Editor. In loving memory of Margaret Keenan Harrais.” 6-2-1964, p. 4. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-jun-02-1964-p-4/

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, AK. “Margaret Harrais Dies at 91.” 4-27-1964, p. 3. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-apr-27-1964-p-3/

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, AK. “Valdez Memorial Services for 35 Dead Planned Sunday.” 5-2-1964, p. 7. Accessed 7-20-2022: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairbanks-daily-news-miner-may-02-1964-p-7/

Find a Grave. “Juanita Pearl Linville Edwards.” Uploaded 1-22-2006. Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13091706/juanita-pearl-edwards

Find a Grave. “Leora Oliver Knight.” Posted 8-12-2008. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28966885/leora-knight

Flexner, Doris and Stuart Berg Flexner. A Pessimist’s Guide to History: An Irresistible Compendium of Catastrophes, Barbarities, Massacres, and Mayhem – From 14 Billion Years Ago to 2007. New York: Harper Collins, 2008. Partially digitized by Google at: http://books.google.com/books?id=tpeK8WZby0gC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Gunn, Angus M. Chapter 132: “Prince William Sound, Alaska, Earthquake, March 27, 1964.” Encyclopedia of Disasters: Environmental Catastrophes and Human Tragedies (Volume 2). Greenwood Press, 2007, pp. 479-483.

Humboldt Times, Eureka, CA. “Seismic Wave Victim’s Body Found.” 4-28-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eureka-humboldt-times-apr-28-1964-p-1/

Humboldt Times, Eureka, CA. “Wave Takes Airman Out to Sea.” 3-29-1964, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/eureka-humboldt-times-mar-29-1964-p-1/

Independent Journal, San Rafael, CA. “Tidal Wave Is Fatal To Fisherman.” 3-30-1964, pp. 1 & 4. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-rafael-daily-independent-journal-mar-30-1964-p-1/

Jones, Ray and Joe Lubow. Disasters and Heroic Rescues of California: True Stories of Tragedy and Survival. Guilford CT: Insiders Guide, an imprint of Globe Pequot Press, 2006.

Kenai Peninsula Borough AK Archives Cemetery. “Seward Tidal Wave Victims in Seward, Alaska.” Kerry Martin, Seward Cemetery historian, used Seward Library archive newspaper listings to provide information on Seward fatalities on January 20, 2004. Accessed 7-20-2022 at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ak/kenai/cemeteries/seward-tidalwave.txt

Kodiak Daily Mirror. “Anniversary of ’64 Quake to be lionized.” 3-14-2014. Accessed 7-22-2022 at: https://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/news/article_b74a2baa-a28f-5441-8511-7aea66733847.html

McLaughlin, Les. “Alaska Earthquake 1964.” Yukon Nuggets. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://yukonnuggets.com/stories/alaska-earthquake-1964

Mielke, Coleen. 1964 Alaska Earthquake Fatalities. Website. 2022. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coleen/genealogy/1964%20alaska%20earthquake.html

National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA. Significant Earthquake Information. Accessed 7-23-2022 at: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-more-info/4311

National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly National Geophysical Data Center), NOAA. The Significant Earthquake Database. NOAA. Accessed 12-23-2008 at: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/nndc/struts/form?t=101650&s=1&d=1
Re-accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/earthquake/event-data?area=AK&region=150&country=USA

National Park Service. Redwood History Basic Data. “The Tsunami of 1964.” Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/redw/history12b.htm

NPR/witf. “Tsunami Legacy Lives with People of Crescent City.” 11-18-2005. Accessed 7-21-2022 at: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/5007869

Petersburg Press, AK. “State’s Quake Death Toll Now 128.” 4-3-1964, p. 1. Accessed 7-19-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/petersburg-petersburg-press-apr-03-1964-p-2/

Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Crescent City hunts 15 missing in ruins…” 3-30-1964, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oxnard-press-courier-mar-30-1964-p-1/

Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Tidal wave kills 10 at Crescent City.” 3-28-1964, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oxnard-press-courier-mar-28-1964-p-1/

Press-Courier, Oxnard, CA. “Tidal waves.” 3-28-1964, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/oxnard-press-courier-mar-28-1964-p-1/

Smith, Roger. Catastrophes and Disasters. Edinburgh and New York: W & R Chambers, 1992.

Sokolowski, Thomas J. The Great Alaskan Earthquake & Tsunamis of 1964. Palmer, Alaska: West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, National Warning Service, NOAA, no date. Accessed 12-22-2008 at: http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/web_tsus/19640328/64quake.htm
Accessed again 7-17-2022 at: https://web.archive.org/web/20090825012553/http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/64quake.htm

Sullivan, William L. Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters. Eugene, OR: Navillus Press, 2008.

United Press International. “Name Victims.” Billings Gazette, MT. 3-30-1964, p. 12. Accessed 7-18-2022 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/billings-gazette-mar-30-1964-p-12/

United States Geological Survey. Deaths in the United States from Earthquakes (website). July 16, 2008 update. Accessed at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/us_deaths.php

United States Geological Survey (Reuben Kachadoorian and George Plafker). “Effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1964 on the communities of Kodiak and nearby islands.” USGS Professional Paper 542-F, 1967. Accessed 7-23-2022 at: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/pp542F

United States Geological Survey. Historic Earthquakes: Prince William Sound, Alaska, 1964 March 28 03:36 UTC, 1964 March 27 05:36 p.m. local time, Magnitude 9.2, Largest Earthquake in Alaska. October 21, 2009 modification. Accessed at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1964_03_28.php

United States Geological Survey (Brocher, et al.). The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunamis – A Modern Perspective and Enduring Legacies (webpage). USGS, 3-4-2014. Accessed 7-22-2022 at: https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2014/3018/

Valdez Museum Historical Archive. “Interpretive Panel: U.S. Post Office and Earthquake Victims Memorial (parking).” Accessed 7-20-2022 at: https://www.valdezmuseum.org/interpretive-panel/

Viscusi, W. Kip. “Insurance and Catastrophes: The Changing Role of the Liability System.” The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance Theory, Vol. 20, No. 2, Dec. 1995, pp. 177-184.

Western States Seismic Policy Council. “1964 Alaska Tsunami.” (Webpage) Accessed 7-17-2022 at: https://www.wsspc.org/resources-reports/tsunami-center/significant-tsunami-events/1964-alaska-tsunami/

Additional Reading

Powers, Dennis. The Raging Sea: The Powerful Account of the Worst Tsunami in U.S. History. Sea Ventures Press, 2015.