9.6 Magnitude, 10-Minute Terror, Thousands Dead: The Chile Earthquake Of May 1960

Last Updated:March 28, 2025, 14:38 IST

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar brings back memories of the most powerful earthquake ever recorded occurred on May 22, 1960, in Valdivia, Chile.

The 1960 Chilean earthquake's fault line extended approximately 1,000 miles, contributing to its unprecedented strength.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay on Friday, March 28, causing significant tremors felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand. The seismic event led to the collapse of several buildings in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 15 lakh. In Bangkok, high-rise buildings swayed, prompting evacuations and widespread panic among residents. Emergency services in both countries are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the number of casualties remains uncertain.

This recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of seismic activity. Historically, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded occurred on May 22, 1960, in Valdivia, Chile. Known as the Great Chilean Earthquake, it registered a magnitude between 9.4 and 9.6 and lasted for approximately 10 minutes. The quake triggered devastating tsunamis that affected coastal regions across the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia. Casualty estimates range from 1,000 to 6,000, with significant infrastructure damage reported.

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The magnitude of an earthquake is directly related to the length of its fault line. The 1960 Chilean earthquake’s fault line extended approximately 1,000 miles, contributing to its unprecedented strength. Scientists assert that a 10-magnitude earthquake is highly unlikely on Earth due to the limitations of fault line lengths. Such an event would require an exceptionally long fault line, which does not exist on our planet.

Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates that make up Earth’s lithosphere. These plates can shift horizontally or vertically, and when they move significantly, the energy released results in an earthquake. The severity of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale:

0 to 1.9: Detected only by seismographs.2 to 2.9: Mild tremors, often unnoticed.3 to 3.9: Comparable to the vibration caused by a passing truck.4 to 4.9: May cause windows to break and objects to fall.5 to 5.9: Furniture may move; minor structural damage possible.6 to 6.9: Potential for significant structural damage, including cracked foundations.7 to 7.9: Buildings may collapse; underground pipelines can rupture.8 to 8.9: Major destruction; large structures and bridges may fail.9 and above: Catastrophic damage; ground may appear to move in waves; tsunamis are likely if near the sea.

While anecdotal evidence suggests that animals may exhibit unusual behaviour before earthquakes, scientific studies have not conclusively proven their predictive abilities. Currently, no scientific institution can predict the exact time, location, and magnitude of an earthquake. However, organisations like the United States Geological Survey (USGS) can assess the likelihood of seismic events in certain areas based on historical data and geological conditions.

It’s important to note that weather conditions do not cause earthquakes. Seismic activity is primarily driven by geological processes beneath Earth’s surface, independent of atmospheric conditions.

Location :

Myanmar (Burma)

First Published:

News world 9.6 Magnitude, 10-Minute Terror, Thousands Dead: The Chile Earthquake Of May 1960