What event occurred in Chile in 1960?
The earthquake that struck near Valdivia, Chile, in 1960 was the most powerful temblor in recorded history. The quake left about 2 million people homeless. On May 22, 1960, the most powerful earthquake in recorded history—magnitude 9.5—struck southern Chile.
What caused the earthquake in Chile 1960?
A sudden breaking in the rocks along a roughly 560–620-mile (900–1,000-km) stretch of the Nazca Plate caused the earthquake, which has been generally agreed to have had a magnitude of 9.5—the largest earthquake recorded in the 20th century. Learn more about plate tectonics.
How tall was the Valdivia tsunami?
25 metres
The tremor caused localised tsunamis that severely battered the Chilean coast, with waves up to 25 metres (82 ft)….1960 Valdivia earthquake.
| Valdivia after the 22 May earthquake | |
|---|---|
| Iquique Santiago Punta Arenas | |
| Tsunami | Up to 25 m (82 ft) |
| Landslides | Yes |
| Casualties | 1,000–6,000 |
What was the biggest tsunami in Chile in 1960?
Southern Chile Earthquake and Tsunami, 22 May 1960 On May 22, 1960 a great Mw 9.5 earthquake, the largest earthquake ever instrumentally recorded, occurred off the coast of southern Chile. This earthquake generated a tsunami that was destructive not only along the coast of Chile, but also across the Pacific in Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines.
What happened in Chile in the 1960s?
Valdivia after the 22 May earthquake The 1960 Chilean earthquakes were a sequence of strong earthquakes that affected Chile between 21 May and 6 June 1960, centered in the Araucanía, Aysén, and Bío Bío regions of the country.
How many people were affected by the 1960 Chile earthquake?
The quake left about 2 million people homeless. On May 22, 1960, the most powerful earthquake in recorded history—magnitude 9.5—struck southern Chile. The rupture zone stretched almost 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) along the country’s coast. The event was named after the city most affected by the quake, Valdivia.
What is the biggest earthquake in history in Chile?
Punta Arenas. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake (Spanish: Terremoto de Valdivia) or the Great Chilean earthquake (Gran terremoto de Chile) on 22 May 1960 is the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. Various studies have placed it at 9.4–9.6 on the moment magnitude scale.