World’s most destructive earthquake struck THIS country 65 years ago, 9.5 magnitude quake shook earth for 10 minutes, not Russia, China, US, India, name is…

In 1960, this terrifying earthquake struck Valdivia, Chile. This deadly earthquake lasted for nearly 10 minutes. It triggered massive tsunami waves.

Edited by: Victor Dasgupta

Published: July 30, 2025, 11:59 AM IST

Share

Share Article

• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• X
• Email
• Telegram
• Linkedin

https://www.india.com/news/world/russia-earthquake-japan-tsunami-new-zealand-tokachi-hokkaido-chili-north-india-myanmar-landslide-flood-rainfall-hawaii-japan-the-philippines-new-zealand-australia-7979407/ Copy

New Delhi: A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East on Wednesday morning. The massive quake triggered Tsunami in the northern Pacific and prompting alerts from Alaska and Hawaii to coastal regions as far south as New Zealand. Tsunami alert sirens rang out Tuesday in Honolulu, prompting residents to head for higher ground. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a 40-centimetre (1.3 feet) tsunami was recorded in Tokachi, located on the southern shore of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island.

To recall, on March 28, the earthquake that shook regions from North India to Myanmar left everyone shaken. Its magnitude was 7.2, which is considered extremely dangerous. But did you know that the world has experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.5?

In 1960, this terrifying earthquake struck Valdivia, Chile. This deadly earthquake lasted for nearly 10 minutes. It triggered massive tsunami waves. Valdivia is actually a coastal area in Chile. It measured 9.5 in magnitude. It is still referred to as the “Great Chilean Earthquake.” It occurred on May 22, 1960. Records confirm that this remains the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the world.

Great Chilean Earthquake: All You Need to know

• The Great Chilean Earthquake lasted for ten minutes.
• Various studies estimate its magnitude between 9.4 and 9.6. It struck at 3:11 PM local time.
• The earthquake triggered a powerful tsunami which spread from southern Chile all the way to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia.
• Estimates of the death toll ranged between 1,000 and 6,000, depending on different sources.
• Typically, earthquakes with magnitudes between 6 and 8 can cause significant destruction. If they last even a little longer, the level of devastation increases drastically.

Is a magnitude 10 earthquake possible?

According to science — and more specifically, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which provides information on earthquakes — such a thing is considered impossible. In other words, the world is very unlikely to ever experience a magnitude 10 earthquake. And of course, there is a reason for that.

Which Earthquakes Are Considered Mild and Which Are Severe

0 to 1.9 – Can only be detected by a seismograph

2 to 2.9 – Slight tremor

3 to 3.9 – Feels like a truck passing nearby

4 to 4.9 – Windows may shatter; wall-mounted frames may fall

5 to 5.9 – Furniture may shake

6 to 6.9 – Building foundations may crack; upper floors can be damaged

7 to 7.9 – Buildings may collapse; underground pipes may burst

8 to 8.9 – Along with buildings, large bridges can also collapse

9 and above – Total devastation; a person standing in an open field may see the earth undulating. If there’s a nearby ocean, a tsunami is highly likely.