1960 Valdivia earthquake

The megathrust rupture of 22 May 1960 had its epicentre near Lumaco, approximately 570 kilometres south of Santiago, and Valdivia was the most affected city. Localised tsunamis battered the Chilean coast with waves up to 25 metres. Death estimates differ, ranging from 1,886 to 6,000.

Origin time (UTC)

1960-05-22T19:11

Magnitude

9.5

Magnitude type

mw

Depth (km)

25

Deaths, as sources state them

1,886 to 6,000, estimates differ

USGS event page

earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/official19600522191120_30

Category: Disasters & Incidents

Tags: megathrust, tsunami, chile, valdivia

Coordinates: -38.143, -73.407

Part of Earthquakes of magnitude 8.5 and above since 1900

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