Largest earthquake in history - Magnitude 9.5 near Chile, May 22, 1960

Map of the largest earthquake in history, a magnitude
9.5 temblor that struck Chile on May 22, 1960.  (USGS)

Today’s magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile serves as a reminder of the dangers quakes present across the Pacific Ring of Fire. The world’s largest earthquake in fact was recorded in the same area as today’s quake on May 22, 1960. That temblor was a monstrous 9.5 magnitude quake that claimed 1,655 lives and sent a devastating tsunami as far away as Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines.

Starting on the 21st of May, 1960, southern Chile was struck by a number of quakes that caused damage across a large area.Four foreshocks of magnitude 7.0 or greater were recorded including a 7.9 magnitude temblor near Concepcion.

These culminated with the magnitude 9.5 temblor on the 22nd and an eruption of the Cordon Calle volcano on the 24th.

The big temblor caused severe damage from the shaking in the Valdivia-Puerto Montt area. More than 2 million people were left homeless following the quake. Landslides and volcanic activity contributed to the devastation.

The U.S. Geological Survey says however that much of the damage and loss of life was actually caused by the tsunami that was generated by the quake. The Chilean town of Puerto Saavedra was complete destroyed by waves that were 38 feet high and reached 2 miles inland.

Aftermath of the tsunami in the Waiakea area of Hilo. The largest
wave in the Hilo area was more than 10 m (33 ft) and was
estimated to have traveled at speeds greater than 30 mph. Note
the scattered debris, gutted foundation and the parking meters that
were bent parallel to the ground by the force of the waves.
(Sunset Newspaper / USGS)

Waves as high as 35 feet struck Hilo, Hawaii and caused 61 deaths and $75 million in damage. Hilo Bay itself was struck the worst where 600 acres of land inland were inundated and only the most reinforced buildings survived. On Maui, the Kahului area was struck the worst where a warehouse and some houses were destroyed.

• Related: Hawaii's tsunami history - A destructive and deadly past
• Related: Chile earthquake ties for fifth most powerful since 1900

Honshu, Japan saw 18 foot waves the day following the quake. 138 deaths and $50 million in damage were realized. In the Philippines, 32 people were reported dead or missing from the waves.

Damage was also reported on Easter Island, the Samoan Islands and parts of the California coast. Crescent City, California, as well as San Diego, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara saw damage.

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