[4] Hence, the region has undergone a complex process of plate convergence, subduction, and arc volcanism from the Middle Eocene to the Early Pliocene.

[9] The Fiji Platform lies in a zone bordered with active extension fault lines around which most of the shallow earthquakes were centered.

[10] The first sign of a tsunami was observed about one minute after the earthquake when a disturbance of the sea surface was noticed by the captain of the cutter Adi Tirisa located about 6.4–8.0 km (4.0–5.0 mi) southwest of Suva.

The boat shook severely before "three great spouts burst out of the sea, carrying mud, stones, and part of a long-wrecked vessel".

The area immediately offshore from the reef is a composite failure surface, where a young scar measuring 800 m (2,600 ft) in width was identified.

On Viti Levu, waves estimated at 3–15 m (9.8–49.2 ft) were observed around the coral reefs off the island's southern coast.

The tsunami caused particular damage to coastal areas unprotected by barrier reefs, devastating the villages of Nakasaleka and Makaluva.

[5] The landslide that caused the tsunami generated turbidity currents that damaged several underwater cables in the Suva Canyon.