Japan Tsunami: What are the 5 Worst Tsunamis of All Time?

While the total devastation remains untold, the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan today will surely be recorded among the world's most destructive natural disasters ever.

Images and video of the wreckage across the region are already circulating through the Web as the unknown death toll continues to climb.

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For some initial context, here is the Surge Desk list of history's most devastating tsunamis.

1. 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
On Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.2-magnitude earthquake struck the west coast of Indonesia, generating a series of tsunamis leading to casualties in at least 14 countries with waves over 100 feet high.

Death toll: 230,000

2. 1908 Messina Tsunami
The Messina earthquake and the tsunami's 40-foot waves struck southern Italy on Dec. 28, 1908, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.

Death toll: 123,000

3. 1755 Lisbon Tsunami
On All Saints Day 1755, the Portuguese city of Lisbon faced three earthquakes in a mere 10 minutes, leading to several tsunami waves nearly 100 feet high.

Death toll: 100,000 to 200,000

4. 1883 Krakatoa Tsunami
The May 1883, the eruption of Indonesia's Krakatoa volcano destroyed two-thirds of the island nation and created 130-foot-high waves.

Death toll: 36,000

5. 1707 Hoei Tsunami
One of the many tsunamis in Japan's history, the Oct. 28, 1707, disaster was triggered by an 8.6-magnitude earthquake and has been studied in connection to the subsequent Fuji Volcano eruptions.

Death toll: 30,000

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