1929 North Coastal earthquake

The 1929 North Coastal earthquake [１９２９坎筌敷铠; ぞうさいしっかい] struck the northern coast of Kanton on June 18th 1929 at 11:32pm. Varied accounts indicate that the duration of the earthquake was between four and ten minutes. The seismic force generated by the earthquake was not felt greatly by those on land; in fact, the subsequent tsunami which washed over several inland areas and claimed hundreds of lives was the main calamity. 
The earthquake, which actually took place over ten miles out to sea beyond Shindai Bay, had a magnitude of 7.1. 
== Main disaster ==
The tsunami which followed the North Coastal earthquake, which is known as the Great Northern Wave [尬坎波], was devastating for the city of Meikai, and the surrounding towns of Shitai, Bundo, Kōzo and Danchō. Widespread damage and flooding caused thousands to be made homeless, their houses destroyed and their possessions washed away. Estimated casualties totaled around 1,500, including those who were reported missing and presumed dead. It is estimated that a further 2,400 people were injured. 
The damage from this natural disaster was the greatest sustained by northern Kanton, and particularly difficult for Shinkō Prefecture, which was not usually prepared for such events. Local protocol was weak and rusty, and protests were held over the incompetence of the authorities who did not have proper action plans in place.