The Valdivia earthquake, also known as the Great Chilean Earthquake, occurred on May 22, 1960. It registered a magnitude of 9.5, making it the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. The epicenter was near the city of Valdivia, located in southern Chile. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, triggering landslides and tsunamis that affected coastal areas across the Pacific Ocean. The tsunami generated by the Valdivia earthquake reached as far as Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines, causing additional damage and loss of life. In total, it is estimated that between 1,000 and 6,000 people died as a result of the earthquake and its aftereffects. The disaster led to significant changes in building codes and disaster preparedness in Chile and other countries.