Valdivia, Chile Earthquake (1960)

About

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake, also known as the Great Chilean Earthquake, occurred on May 22, 1960. It is considered the largest recorded earthquake in history, with a magnitude ranging from 9.4 to 9.6 on the moment magnitude scale. The epicenter was located approximately 100 miles off the coast of southern Chile, near the city of Valdivia. The earthquake lasted about 10 minutes and triggered a massive tsunami that affected several countries across the Pacific, including Chile, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and others. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused significant destruction and loss of life. In Chile, the tsunami waves reached as high as 25 meters, severely impacting coastal areas. The disaster left approximately two million people homeless and resulted in a death toll estimated between 1,000 and 6,000. The earthquake also triggered volcanic activity, with the eruption of the Cordon Caulle volcano two days later. The event's impact was felt globally, with waves causing damage and fatalities in distant locations like Hawaii and Japan.