What was the largest earthquake in history in Chile?

On May 22, 1960, the most powerful earthquake in recorded history— magnitude 9.5—struck southern Chile. The rupture zone stretched from estimates ranging from 500 kilometers (311 miles) to almost 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) along the country’s coast.

How did the 2010 Chile earthquake affect the world?

Sinking of the ground due to the earthquake, known as subsidence, produced local flooding in Chile. This permanently altered the shorelines of much of the area in Chile impacted by the earthquake, rendering all marine navigational charts of the affected areas obsolete.

What were the effects of the 1960 Chile earthquake?

Map depicting the epicentre of the earthquake off the coast of Chile, May 22, 1960. Many Chilean cities sustained significant damage, including Puerto Montt, where noticeable subsidence occurred, and Valdivia, where nearly half of the buildings were rendered uninhabitable.

What cities in Chile were affected by the Chile earthquake?

Many Chilean cities, including Puerto Montt, where noticeable subsidence occurred, and Valdivia, where nearly half of the buildings were rendered uninhabitable, sustained significant damage. Though the havoc wreaked by the shaking was not inconsequential,…

How did the Chile earthquake affect the world?

The main shock from the earthquake generated a tsunami that was not only destructive along the coast of Chile but also caused numerous casualties and extensive property damage as far away as Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. Waves were observed throughout the Pacific Ocean basin.

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 has Chile done to prepare for an earthquake?

Since then, the Chilean government has spent millions upgrading the country’s seismic network of sensors, and made improvements to telecommunications systems that share critical information and warnings. The earthquake struck as thousands of Chileans were travelling to the coast ahead of a week of celebrations for independence day.