Historical tsunamis · Nov 20, 1822, 2:30 AM UTC
1822 Central Chile tsunami
Chile
The tsunami of Nov 20, 1822, 2:30 AM UTC originated near Central Chile (Chile).
Key facts
- Date
- Nov 20, 1822, 2:30 AM UTC
- Cause
- Earthquake
- Magnitude
- M8.5
- Maximum documented water height
- 3.60 m
- Deaths
- 72
- Injuries
- 200
- Houses destroyed
- many (about 101–1,000)
- Damage
- extreme (over US$ 25 million)
- Observation records
- 6
- Countries affected
- 2
It was triggered by a magnitude 8.5 earthquake.
The highest documented water height was 3.60 m (Valparaiso, Chile).
6 observation sites in 2 countries are recorded.
The database records 72 deaths.
Houses destroyed: many (about 101–1,000).
Damage is estimated at extreme (over US$ 25 million).
Map of observation sites
6Each dot is a documented observation site; colour and size show the observed water height. The triangle marks the source.
Observations by country
| Country | Observation records | Maximum documented water height | Deaths | Earliest arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | 5 | 3.60 m Valparaiso | — | — |
 Peru | 1 | — | — | — |
Highest documented water heights
6 / 6Individual documented observations for this event. Heights come from different measurement types and sources; not every location has a measured height.
| Location / station | Observed height | Distance from source | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valparaiso · Valparaiso | 3.60 m | 34 km | Chile |
| Callao · Callao Classified as doubtful | — | 2,379 km | Peru |
| Concon · Valparaiso | — | 46 km | Chile |
| Quintero (Cintero) · Valparaiso | — | 50 km | Chile |
| Rio Copiapo · Atacama | — | 638 km | Chile |
| Valdivia · Los Rios | — | 763 km | Chile |
More tsunamis
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Historical Tsunami Database. Confirmed events only. Deaths and damage are database estimates; older records are incomplete. Water heights come from different types of observation.