The 2010 Chile earthquake, at magnitude 8.8, was one of the most powerful ever recorded and triggered a tsunami affecting 53 countries.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 8.8 Mww
- Date & Time
- 27 February 2010, 03:34 local time
- Confirmed Deaths
- 525 people
- Homes Damaged
- ~370,000 homes
- Economic Losses
- 15–30 billion USD
- Max Tsunami Wave Height
- 24.1 metres
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A megathrust rupture along the subduction zone off the coast of Chile's Maule Region generated one of the most powerful seismic events in recorded history. The tectonic stress release was powerful enough to affect roughly 80 percent of Chile's population across six regions, lasting approximately three minutes.
On 27 February 2010 at 03:34 local time, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off central Chile, triggering a tsunami with wave heights up to 24.1 metres. Severe coastal damage was recorded at Constitución, a nationwide blackout affected 93 percent of the population, and tsunami warnings were issued to 53 countries, with waves reaching California and Japan.
The disaster left 525 confirmed dead and 25 missing, with around 370,000 homes damaged and economic losses estimated at US$15–30 billion. President Michelle Bachelet declared a state of catastrophe and deployed the military to worst-affected areas. The event prompted significant reassessment of Chile's tsunami warning systems and emergency response protocols.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 525 (earthquake)