On May 22, 1960, the most powerful earthquake in recorded history—magnitude 9.5—struck southern Chile. … The Valdivia earthquake left two million people homeless, injured at least 3,000, and killed approximately 1,655. The economic damage totaled $550 million (more than $4.8 billion, adjusted for 2020 inflation).6 Apr 2020
What happened in the 1960 Chile earthquake?
What happened during the Chile earthquake?
2,400 km (1,500 mi) away). The earthquake triggered a tsunami which devastated several coastal towns in south-central Chile and damaged the port at Talcahuano. … The earthquake also generated a blackout that affected 93 percent of the Chilean population and which went on for several days in some locations.
What damage did the 1960 Chile earthquake cause?
Approximately 1,655 killed, 3,000 injured, 2,000,000 homeless, and $550 million damage in southern Chile; tsunami caused 61 deaths, $75 million damage in Hawaii; 138 deaths and $50 million damage in Japan; 32 dead and missing in the Philippines; and $500,000 damage to the west coast of the United States.
Did the 1960 Chile earthquake cause a tsunami?
Both the 1960 Chile earthquake and the 1700 Cascadia earthquake were caused by sudden ruptures of long segments of subduction zones. Each of these quakes generated a tsunami that not only struck nearby coastal areas but also caused damage in coastal areas as far away as Japan.
What caused the earthquake of 1960?
The 1960 Chile earthquake was caused by the Nazca plate releasing tension and descending 15 meters underneath the South American Plate. It happened 30.5 km off the Chilean coast. My reaserach focused on the nearest city to the epicenter; Valdivia, Chile (39.8º S Lat.,73.24º W Long.).
How long did the 1960 Chile earthquake last?
approximately 10 minutes It occurred in the afternoon (19:11 GMT, 15:11 local time), and lasted for approximately 10 minutes….1960 Valdivia earthquake.
| Iquique Santiago Punta Arenas | |
|---|---|
| UTC time | 1960-05-22 19:11:14 |
| Duration | approx. 10 minutes |
| Magnitude | 9.4–9.6 Mw |
| Depth | 33 km (21 mi) |
Where was the Chile earthquake 1960?
Chile 1960 Valdivia earthquake/Location
What disaster happened in 1960?
Record-Breaking Catastrophe The magnitude 9.5 Chilean earthquake in 1960 was the largest earthquake ever instrumentally recorded. The series of earthquakes that followed ravaged southern Chile and produced one of the longest ruptures ever reported.
Has there ever been a 10.0 earthquake?
No, earthquakes of magnitude 10 or larger cannot happen. The magnitude of an earthquake is related to the length of the fault on which it occurs. … The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 on May 22, 1960 in Chile on a fault that is almost 1,000 miles long…a “megaquake” in its own right.