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The 2010 Chilean earthquake occurred off the coast of
the Maule Region of Chile on February 27, 2010, at 03:34 local
time (06:34 UTC), rating a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment
magnitude scale and lasting 90 seconds.It was strongly perceived
in six Chilean regions (from Valparaíso in the north to
Araucanía in the south), that together make up 80% of the
country's population. The cities experiencing the strongest
shaking—VIII (Destructive) on the Mercalli intensity scale—were
Arauco and Coronel, Chile. The earthquake was felt in the
capital Santiago at Mercalli intensity scale VII (Very Strong).
Tremors were felt in many Argentine cities, including Buenos
Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and La Rioja. Tremors were felt as far
north as the city of Ica in southern Peru (approx. 1500 mi./2400
km). The earthquake triggered a tsunami which devastated several
coastal towns in south-central Chile and damaged the port at
Talcahuano. Tsunami warnings were issued in 53 countries,
causing minor damage in the San Diego area of California and in
the Tōhoku region of Japan, where damage to the fisheries
business was estimated at ¥6.26 billion (USD$66.7 million). The
earthquake also generated a blackout that affected 93% of the
country's population and which went on for several days in some
locations. President Michelle Bachelet declared a "state of
catastrophe" and sent military troops to take control of the
most affected areas. The latest death toll as of April 7, 2010
is 486 victims (down from 802 reported by the previous
administration on March 3).
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