Major M6.8 Earthquake Strikes Chile, No Tsunami Risk

According to Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Chile’s National Seismology Centre reported the quake struck at 17:52 local time (21:52 GMT). The epicentre was 12 kilometres south of Calama, with authorities initially reporting no casualties. Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service confirmed there was no tsunami threat along the coast.

Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Chile frequently experiences seismic activity due to the continuous collision between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, which regularly generates varying intensity tremors across the country. Since 1570, Chile has experienced approximately 100 major earthquakes, nearly 30 of which exceeded magnitude 8.0. Data from the Emergency Risk and Disaster Management Department indicates that a major earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher strikes the country roughly once per decade.

Some of Chile’s most significant earthquakes include the 1960 Valdivia quake, the largest ever recorded at magnitude 9.5. This mega-thrust event triggered a devastating tsunami with waves up to 10 metres high, destroying much of southern Chile’s coastal infrastructure. The tsunami crossed the Pacific Ocean, striking Japan with six-metre waves and causing fatalities and damage thousands of miles away. Although the exact death toll remains unconfirmed, official estimates suggest over 2,000 fatalities.

Chile’s last major seismic event, widely known as ‘27F’, occurred in the early hours of 27 February 2010. With a magnitude of 8.8, it was the country’s second-strongest earthquake on record. The epicentre was offshore in the Maule region, catching residents off guard. Within an hour of the initial tremors, a massive tsunami struck the coast, severely affecting Maule and Biobio regions. Although the tsunami reached Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica, it caused minimal damage outside Chile. The disaster claimed over 500 lives and left around 50 people missing.

Chile’s deadliest earthquake occurred on the night of 24 January 1939. The magnitude 8.3 Richter quake was felt from Valparaíso to Temuco. Known as the ‘Chillán earthquake’, it destroyed over half of Chillán’s buildings.