The most powerful earthquake ever recorded struck near Valdivia, Chile, on May 22, 1960. The "Great Chilean Earthquake" killed approximately 1,655 people and left 2 million homeless.

Here’s a glance at some of the most powerful earthquakes recorded previously, according to the USGS. 1. Biobío, Chile A 9.5 magnitude earthquake struck in a central region of Chile in 1960.

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded struck near Valdivia, Chile, on May 22, 1960. The "Great Chilean Earthquake" killed approximately 1,655 people and left 2 million homeless.

The most powerful earthquake ever recorded struck near Valdivia, Chile, on May 22, 1960. The "Great Chilean Earthquake" killed approximately 1,655 people and left 2 million homeless.