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A huge landslide in a remote part of Alaska caused a tsunami that pushed water and debris 1,580 feet up a mountainside. Scientists say it is the second-highest tsunami ever recorded. The event happened only hours after tourists had visited the area, which shows how quickly natural hazards can develop in wild landscapes.
The disaster did not come without warning. Before the landslide, researchers noticed several worrying signs: the glacier above the slope was retreating rapidly, heavy rain had fallen for days, and thousands of tiny seismic tremors were detected. Together, these factors made the ground weaker and less stable. Scientists now believe that such warning signs can help predict similar events in the future, although exact timing remains difficult.
When the mountain slope finally collapsed, a large amount of rock and ice fell into the sea. This sudden movement displaced a huge volume of water and created a powerful wave. The wave was so strong that it carried trees and other debris high up the opposite mountain. Fortunately, no tourists were in the area at the moment of impact. Local people later described the sound as like a low, deep thunder.
The Alaska case is part of a wider pattern. As glaciers around the world shrink because of climate change, steep mountain slopes that were once supported by ice may become more dangerous. Melting ice can leave loose rock behind, and extreme rainfall can make landslides more likely. In coastal regions, these landslides may trigger tsunamis that reach communities within minutes, leaving very little time for people to escape.
Experts say that monitoring is essential. By watching glacier movement, rainfall and small earthquakes, scientists may be able to issue warnings before a disaster strikes. For people living in or visiting mountain coastal areas, understanding these risks can save lives. Public education and better warning systems are therefore just as important as scientific research.