1877 Iquique earthquake

The 1877 Iquique earthquake occurred on May 9, 1877, off the coast of Iquique, Chile, and is considered one of the most significant seismic events in the region's history. This powerful magnitude 8.5 earthquake struck at approximately 7:35 PM local time, resulting in widespread destruction and triggering a destructive tsunami that inundated coastal areas. The quake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, notably in Iquique and the surrounding regions, leading to a substantial loss of life with estimates ranging between 1,000 to 2,000 casualties. The event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities in northern Chile to seismic activity and contributed to advances in earthquake research and preparedness in the region.