2010 Chile earthquake#Aftershocks

According to the USGS, the epicenter of the earthquake was about {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=in}} off the coast of Pelluhue, a town in the Maule Region. This is about {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=in}} west of the village of Chovellén, {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=in}} southwest of the town of Pelluhue and at a point approximately {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=in}} away from the following four provincial capitals: Talca (to the north-east), Linares (to the east), Chillán (to the south-east) and Concepción (to the south). Chile's Seismological Service located the quake's epicenter at about {{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=in}} off the coast of Ñuble Region in the Biobío Region. This is {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=in}} north of Concepción and {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=in}} south-west of Talca.

{{Main|Nazca plate|Geology of Chile}}

The earthquake took place along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates at a location where they converge at a rate of {{Convert|80|mm}} a year.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} This earthquake was characterized by a thrust-faulting focal mechanism, caused by the subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American Tectonic Plates. The end-regions of the rupture zone coincided with the Andean oroclines of Maipo (33° S) and Arauco (37° S). This has been interpreted as suggesting a link between upper plate (South American plate) structure and rupture length.{{Citation|last1=Jara-Muñoz|first1=Julius|last2=Melnick|first2=Daniel|last3=Dominik|first3=Brill|last4=Strecker|first4=Manfred R.|title=Segmentation of the 2010 Maule earthquake rupture from a joint analysis of uplifted marine terraces and seismic cycle deformation|journal=Quaternary Science Reviews|volume=113|year=2015|pages=171–192|doi=10.1016/j.quascirev.2015.01.005}}

Chile has been at a convergent plate boundary that generates megathrust earthquakes since the Paleozoic era (500 million years ago). In historical times the Chilean coast has suffered many megathrust earthquakes along this plate boundary, including the strongest earthquake ever measured, the 1960 Valdivia earthquake. More recently, the boundary ruptured during the 2007 Tocopilla earthquake in northern Chile.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

The segment of the fault zone which ruptured in this earthquake was estimated to be over {{Convert|700|km|abbr=on}} long with a displacement of almost 10 meters, or 120 years of accumulated plate movement.{{cite web|url=http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/highlights/chileearthquakeFeb2010.html|title=Chile Earthquake | Magnitude 8.8|publisher=British Geological Survey|date=27 February 2010|access-date=11 March 2011|archive-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511081933/http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/highlights/chileearthquakeFeb2010.html|url-status=live}} It lay immediately north of the {{Convert|1000|km|abbr=on}} segment which ruptured in the great earthquake of 1960.{{Cite news|last=Fountain|first=Henry|title=Underwater Plate Cuts 400-Mile Gash|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/world/americas/28quake.html|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303235619/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/world/americas/28quake.html|archive-date=3 March 2010|url-status=live}} Preliminary measurements show that the entire South American plate moved abruptly westward during the quake.{{cite web|url=http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/chilemoves.htm|title=Researchers show how far South American cities moved in quake, Research News, Ohio State University, March 8, 2010|publisher=Researchnews.osu.edu|access-date=23 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412040819/http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/chilemoves.htm|archive-date=12 April 2010|url-status=dead}} A research collaborative of Ohio State and other institutions have found, using GPS, that the earthquake shifted Santiago {{Convert|28|cm|abbr=on}} to the west-southwest and moved Concepción at least {{convert|3|m|0}} to the west. The earthquake also shifted other parts of South America from the Falkland Islands to Fortaleza, Brazil. For example, it moved Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires about {{Convert|2.5|cm|abbr=on}} to the west.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7403578/Chile-earthquake-moved-city-of-Concepcion-10ft-to-the-west.html|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Chile earthquake moved city of Concepcion 10ft to the west|date=9 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=1 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601062752/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7403578/Chile-earthquake-moved-city-of-Concepcion-10ft-to-the-west.html|url-status=live}} Several cities south of Cobquecura were also raised by up to 3 meters.{{cite news|url=http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18655|title=Satellite Images Show That Talcahuano "Grew" 1.5 Meters Higher As A Result of Earthquake|last=van der Horst|first=Loretta|date=21 April 2010|work=The Santiago Times|access-date=1 May 2010|archive-date=19 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019194850/http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18655|url-status=live}} The maximum recorded peak ground acceleration was at Concepcion, with a value of 0.65 g (6.38 m/s²).{{cite conference|title=Lessons from the 2010 Chilean earthquake and its impact on electricity supply|last1=Araneda|first1=J.C.|last2=Rudnick|first2=H.|last3=Mocarquer|first3=S.|last4=Miguel|first4=P.|date=October 2010|location=Hangzhou, China|conference=2010 International Conference on Power System Technology (Powercon 2010)|isbn=978-1-4244-5940-7|doi=10.1109/POWERCON.2010.5666023}}

The locality of Tirúa south of Concepción recorded a {{Convert|180|cm|abbr=on}} uplift relative to sea level as result of the earthquake. This is the highest known uplift of the coast resulting from the earthquake.{{Cite journal|title=Unexpected coseismic surface uplift at Tirúa-Mocha Island area of south Chile before and during the Mw 8.8 Maule 2010 earthquake: a possible upper plate splay fault|journal=Andean Geology|url=http://www.andeangeology.cl/index.php/revista1/article/view/V47n2-3057/pdf|last1=Quezada|first1=Jorge|volume=47|last2=Jaque|first2=Edilia|publisher=National Geology and Mining Service|issue=2|doi=10.5027/andgeoV47n2-3057|year=2020|last3=Catalán|first3=Nicole|last4=Belmonte|first4=Arturo|last5=Fernández|first5=Alfonso|last6=Isla|first6=Federico|page=295|doi-access=free|hdl=11336/128966|hdl-access=free|access-date=23 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626053058/http://www.andeangeology.cl/index.php/revista1/article/view/V47n2-3057/pdf|url-status=live}} This uplift made a large islet emerge at the mouth of Lebu River.

File:2010 Maule earthquake intensity USGS.jpg

{{see also|List of earthquakes in 2010}}

This was the strongest earthquake affecting Chile since the magnitude 9.5 1960 Valdivia earthquake (the most energetic earthquake ever measured), and it was the strongest earthquake worldwide since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and until the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/historical_mag.php|title=Historic World Earthquakes|publisher=United States Geological Survey|date=23 November 2009|access-date=27 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130143309/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/historical_mag.php|archive-date=30 January 2016}} It is tied with the 1906 Ecuador–Colombia and 1833 Sumatra earthquakes as the sixth strongest earthquake ever measured, approximately 500 times more powerful than the 7.0 M_w earthquake in Haiti one month prior in January 2010.{{cite web|title=Chile-Haiti Earthquake Comparison: Chile Was More Prepared|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/27/chile-haiti-earthquake-co_n_479705.html|work=TheHuffingtonPost.com|date=2 May 2011|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=30 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930161521/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/27/chile-haiti-earthquake-co_n_479705.html?|url-status=live}}

An aftershock of 6.2 was recorded 20 minutes after the initial quake.{{Citation|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8540289.stm|title=Massive earthquake strikes Chile|publisher=BBC News|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=7 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407025212/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8540289.stm|url-status=live}}[https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php Latest Earthquakes M5.0+ in the World] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124010921/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php |date=24 November 2010 }}, by USGS. Two more aftershocks of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.6 followed within an hour of the initial quake. The USGS said that "a large vigorous aftershock sequence can be expected from this earthquake". By 6 March UTC, more than 130 aftershocks had been registered, including thirteen above magnitude 6.0.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/285_-35.php|title=10-degree Map Centered at 35°S,75°W|date=6 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418091552/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/10/285_-35.php|archive-date=18 April 2010}}

Shortly after the mainshock seismologists installed a dense network of seismometers along the whole rupture area. This network captured 20,000 aftershocks in the 6 months after the mainshock and shows a detailed picture of the structure of the Chilean margin.{{cite journal|last1=Lange|first1=D.|last2=Tilmann|first2=F.|last3=Barrientos|first3=S. E.|last4=Contreras-Reyes|first4=E.|last5=Methe|first5=P.|last6=Moreno|first6=M.|last7=Heit|first7=B.|last8=Agurto|first8=H.|last9=Bernard|first9=P.|last10=Vilotte|first10=J.-P.|last11=Beck|first11=S.|title=Aftershock Seismicity of the 27 February 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule Earthquake Rupture Zone|date=January 2012|volume=317-183|doi=10.1016/j.epsl.2011.11.034|journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters|pages=413–425|bibcode=2012E&PSL.317..413L}} Seismicity is focused in the depth range of {{Convert|25-35|km|abbr=on}} and in a deeper band of between {{Convert|45 and 50|km|abbr=on}} depth. Around 10,000 aftershocks occurred in the region of two large aftershocks in the Pichilemu region.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

A 6.9-magnitude offshore earthquake struck approximately 300 kilometers southwest of, and less than 90 minutes after, the initial shock; however, it is not clear if that quake was related to the main shock.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfa7.php|title=Magnitude 6.9 – Off the coast of Bio-Bio, Chile|date=27 February 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302200303/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfa7.php|archive-date=2 March 2010}} A separate earthquake of magnitude 6.3 occurred in Salta, Argentina, at 15:45 UTC on 27 February, at a depth of {{Convert|38.2|km|abbr=on}};{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfc3.php|title=Magnitude 6.3–SALTA, Argentina|date=27 February 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302200417/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tfc3.php|archive-date=2 March 2010}} two people were injured and one died in Salta.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-02/28/c_13191160.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303081334/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-02/28/c_13191160.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2010|title=Chile's earthquake death toll rises to 214|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=1 March 2010}} This earthquake was followed on 1 March at 06:32 UTC by a magnitude 4.9 aftershock.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010thaz.php|title=Magnitude 4.9–SALTA, Argentina|date=1 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304051252/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010thaz.php|archive-date=4 March 2010}} Four other earthquakes above M5.0, some possible aftershocks, also occurred near the border in Argentina following the Chile earthquake; a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred in Mendoza on 28 February, a M5.3 earthquake in Neuquen and a M5.2 in San Juan on 2 March, and a M5.1 quake in Mendoza on 4 March.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tgbr.php|title=Magnitude 5.0–MENDOZA, Argentina|date=28 February 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303144716/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tgbr.php|archive-date=3 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkbp.php|title=Magnitude 5.3–NEQUEN, Argentina|date=2 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307215603/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkbp.php|archive-date=7 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tick.php|title=Magnitude 5.2–SAN JUAN, Argentina|date=2 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305222235/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tick.php|archive-date=5 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkbp.php|title=Magnitude 5.1–MENDOZA, Argentina|date=4 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307215603/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkbp.php|archive-date=7 March 2010}}

Another strong earthquake occurred on 4 March, at 22:39 UTC in Antofagasta in northern Chile, with a magnitude of 6.3.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkcs.php|title=Magnitude 6.3 – ANTOFAGASTA, Chile|date=4 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=6 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308231340/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tkcs.php|archive-date=8 March 2010}}

Minor quakes generated by the main one could be felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil,{{Cite news|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/cotidiano/ult95u699876.shtml|title=Estado de SP sente reflexo do terremoto de 8,8 graus registrado no Chile|date=27 February 2010|publisher=Folha Online|language=pt|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-date=1 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301113156/http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/cotidiano/ult95u699876.shtml|url-status=live}} located about {{Convert|3000|km|abbr=on}} away from Concepción. Since the major earthquake, and as of 15 March, at least four to forty >M5.0 earthquakes have been recorded daily in the vicinity of the main earthquake,{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.php|title=Latest Earthquakes in the World – Past 7 days|access-date=5 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413034305/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.php/|archive-date=13 April 2010}} including four above magnitude 6.0 between 3 and 6 March.

On 5 March, two aftershocks above M6.0 were reported. The first was a 6.3-magnitude off the coast of the Biobío Region. The second was near the epicenter of the original quake at 08:47 local time with a magnitude of 6.6.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/05/chile.earthquake/index.html|title=Strong aftershocks rattle Chile|publisher=CNN|date=28 February 2010|access-date=5 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307111612/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/05/chile.earthquake/index.html|archive-date=7 March 2010|url-status=live}}

On 11 March, the March 2010 Chile earthquake (magnitude 6.9, treated by some as an aftershock of the February 2010 earthquake) was reported, followed quickly by further aftershocks measuring 6.7 and 6.0. The epicenter of the 6.9 quake was in Pichilemu, O'Higgins Region.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/11/AR2010031104761.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Juan|last=Forero|title=Aftershocks a reality check for Chilean President Sebastián Piñera|date=12 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629045622/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/11/AR2010031104761.html|url-status=live}}[https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tsa6.php#details Magnitude 6.9 LIBERTADOR O HIGGINS, CHILE] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213071803/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tsa6.php |date=13 February 2013 }}, U.S. Geological Survey, Thurs., 11 March 2010, 11:39:44 at epicenter. This 6.9 aftershock/new earthquake (depending on how one looks at it) had an epicenter at 34.259 S, 71.929 W.

On 15 March, two aftershocks of the February 2010 earthquake were reported, one at magnitude 6.2 at 08:08:28 local time offshore Maule,{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usp000h9eg/executive|title=M 6.2 – offshore Maule, Chile|author=|date=15 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074547/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usp000h9eg/executive|url-status=live}} and another at magnitude 6.7 with the epicenter located offshore the Biobío Region, near Cobquecura, at 23:21:58 local time.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usp000h9fs/executive|title=M 6.7 – offshore Bio-Bio, Chile|author=|date=15 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014124820/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usp000h9fs/executive|url-status=live}} This tremor was followed by two minor aftershocks, one occurring 45 minutes later, measuring M5.5. No tsunami was reported and there were no tsunami warnings issued.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

On 17 March, at 14:38:37 local time, an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 was recorded in Aisén, in Southern Chile.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tybd.php|title=Magnitude 5.2 – AISEN, CHILE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322192059/http://www.earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010tybd.php|archive-date=22 March 2010}} Another magnitude 5.2 earthquake was recorded in Los Lagos the next day. On 26 March, at 10:52:06 local time, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit the Atacama region, in Northern Chile.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010uhay.php|title=Magnitude 6.2 – ATACAMA, CHILE|last=Earthquakes|date=26 March 2010|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=26 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329042835/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010uhay.php|archive-date=29 March 2010|url-status=dead}}

The Biobio Region of Chile had strong aftershocks of this earthquake. The first one was a magnitude 6.7 M_W earthquake that struck off the coast of Biobío, Chile, at 23:21 on 15 March 2010 at the epicenter, at a depth of {{convert|18|km|mi|0}}. The second earthquake struck on land in the region at 22:58 (UTC) on 2 April 2010 at 5.9 M_W and at a depth of {{Convert|39|km|abbr=on}}. The third struck on 10:03 (UTC) on 23 April 2010 at 6.2 M_W.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010txai/#details|title=Magnitude 6.7 – OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE|publisher=United States Geological Survey|date=26 March 2010|access-date=27 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322191747/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010txai/|archive-date=22 March 2010|url-status=live}} The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that historical data indicates that this quake would not generate a tsunami but still advised of the possibility.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F0DC20100316|title=Aftershock hits off coast of Chile, no damage|agency=Reuters|date=15 March 2010|access-date=27 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323051336/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F0DC20100316|archive-date=23 March 2010|url-status=live}} On 3 May, at 19:09 a 6.4 M_W earthquake magnitude struck off Biobío, Chile, at the epicenter, at a depth of {{convert|20|km|abbr=on}}. The epicenter was {{convert|55|km|abbr=on}} south of Lebu.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010vvcg.php|title=Magnitude 6.4 – OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE|publisher=United States Geological Survey|date=3 May 2010|access-date=3 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506003524/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010vvcg.php|archive-date=6 May 2010|url-status=dead}} On 14 July 2010, another 6.5 magnitude earthquake occurred in the area.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

On 2 January at 17:20:18 local time, a 7.1 magnitude aftershock occurred {{Convert|70|km|abbr=on}} northwest of Temuco, Chile.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0000y49.php#details|title=Magnitude 7.1 – ARAUCANIA, CHILE|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=11 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316004046/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0000y49.php|archive-date=16 March 2011|url-status=dead}} On Lautaro, Cañete, Nueva Imperial, Traiguén and Carahue the quake was felt at intensity VI (Strong) of the Mercalli intensity scale. In Temuco it was perceived at intensity V (Moderate). In Talcahuano, Concepción, Chillán, Osorno and Valdivia it shook at intensity IV (Light).{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/pager/events/us/c0000y49/index.html|title=PAGER – M 7.1 – ARAUCANIA, CHILE|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=11 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105111849/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/pager/events/us/c0000y49/index.html|archive-date=5 January 2011}} According to the USGS the earthquake's epicenter was located on the ground, east of the coastal town of Tirúa in the Araucanía Region. However, according to the University of Chile's Seismological Service, the seismic event was located {{Convert|134|km|abbr=on}} off the coast of Tirúa, measuring a magnitude 6.9 M_L. The University of Chile also reported that the localities who received the strongest shaking (VI) were Curanilahue, Lebu and Tirúa. In Concepción, Talcahuano and Temuco it was felt at intensity V, and in Chillán and Valdivia at intensity IV.{{cite web|url=http://www.sismologia.cl/events/sensibles/2011/01/20110102201957.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909141239/http://www.sismologia.cl/events/sensibles/2011/01/20110102201957.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 September 2012|title=Informe de Sismo|publisher=Sismologia.cl|access-date=11 March 2011}}

A magnitude 6.2 M_w aftershock struck the coast of Biobío, Chile at a shallow depth of {{Convert|15.1|km|abbr=on}} on 1 June 2011 at 08:55 local time (12:55 UTC).{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0003wdc.php|title=Magnitude 6.2 – Offshore Bio-Bio, Chile|date=1 June 2011|access-date=1 June 2011|publisher=United States Geological Survey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607141132/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0003wdc.php|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=dead}} It was centered just offshore Arauco Province near a moderately populated area, with most structures in its vicinity reported to be resistant to earthquake shaking. Strong shaking registering at VI on the Mercalli intensity scale was felt in Lebu, just {{Convert|7|km|abbr=on}} south of the epicenter, lasting for approximately one minute.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/pager/events/us/c0003wdc/index.html|title=PAGER – Magnitude 6.2 – Offshore Bio-Bio, Chile|date=1 June 2011|access-date=1 June 2011|publisher=United States Geological Survey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603230007/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/pager/events/us/c0003wdc/index.html|archive-date=3 June 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lanacion.cl/sismo-6-4-richter-afecto-a-4-regiones-de-chile-desde-el-maule-a-los-rios/noticias/2011-06-01/091836.html|title=Sismo 6,4 Richter afectó a 4 regiones de Chile: Desde el Maule a Los Ríos|date=1 June 2011|access-date=1 June 2011|work=La Nación|language=es|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604222352/http://www.lanacion.cl/sismo-6-4-richter-afecto-a-4-regiones-de-chile-desde-el-maule-a-los-rios/noticias/2011-06-01/091836.html|url-status=dead}} Some residents in coastal areas panicked and evacuated their homes.{{cite web|url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/strong-6-4-magnitude-quake-shakes-chile-134339465.html|title=Strong 6.4 magnitude quake shakes Chile|first=Frederick|last=Florin|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Yahoo News|access-date=13 March 2020|date=1 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604184025/http://uk.news.yahoo.com/strong-6-4-magnitude-quake-shakes-chile-134339465.html|archive-date=4 June 2011}} The earthquake was followed by a moderate magnitude 5.1 M_w tremor that occurred about 52 minutes later to the northeast of the main shock epicenter at an estimated depth of {{Convert|26.9|km|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0003wdz.php|title=Magnitude 5.1 – Bio-Bio, Chile|date=1 June 2011|access-date=1 June 2011|publisher=United States Geological Survey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607140853/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0003wdz.php|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=live}} Initial estimates from the USGS placed its intensity at a magnitude of 6.4 M_w.{{cite web|url=http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_c0003wdc_h.html|title=Magnitude 6.4 offshore Bio-Bio, Chile|date=1 June 2011|access-date=1 June 2011|publisher=United States Geological Survey|author=NEIC|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611113101/http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_c0003wdc_h.html|archive-date=11 June 2011|author-link=National Earthquake Information Center}}

Seismologists estimate that the earthquake was so powerful that it may have shortened the length of the day by 1.26 microseconds and moved the Earth's figure axis by 2.7 milliarcseconds (about 8 cm).{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/earth-20100301.html|title=NASA – Chilean Quake May Have Shortened Earth Days|publisher=Nasa.gov|date=1 March 2010|access-date=11 March 2011|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025145503/http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/earth-20100301.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/features/earth-days-could-be-shorter-after-chilean-earthquake/story-e6frflor-1225836120460|title=Earth days could be shorter after Chilean earthquake|publisher=News.com.au|date=22 July 2009|access-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303223321/http://www.news.com.au/features/earth-days-could-be-shorter-after-chilean-earthquake/story-e6frflor-1225836120460|archive-date=3 March 2010|url-status=live}} Precise GPS measurement indicated the telluric movement moved the entire city of Concepción {{convert|3.04|m|ft}} to the west. The capital Santiago experienced a displacement of almost {{convert|24|cm|in}} west, and even Buenos Aires, about {{convert|1350|km|mi}} from Concepción,{{cite web|url=http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distances.html?n=51|title=Cities located close to Buenos Aires|publisher=timeanddate.com|access-date=13 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131165504/http://timeanddate.com/worldclock/distances.html?n=51|archive-date=31 January 2010|url-status=live}} shifted {{convert|4|cm|in}}.{{cite web|access-date=27 August 2019|title=Chile quake moved city 3 metres west|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-09/chile-quake-moved-city-3-metres-west/355870|date=9 March 2010|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726205950/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-09/chile-quake-moved-city-3-metres-west/355870|url-status=live}}[http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/chilequakemap.htm Researchers Show How Far South American Cities Moved In Quake] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720024602/http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/chilequakemap.htm |date=20 July 2011 }}. Retrieved 9 March 2010. It is estimated that Chile's territory could have expanded {{convert|1.2|km2}} as a result.{{cite web|url=http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18830:chile-ugrows-12-square-kilometers-as-a-result-of-february-27-earthquake&catid=1:other&Itemid=38|title=Chile ¨Grows" 1.2 Square Kilometers As A Result of 27 February Earthquake|work=The Santiago Times|date=12 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019194846/http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18830:chile-ugrows-12-square-kilometers-as-a-result-of-february-27-earthquake&catid=1:other&Itemid=38|archive-date=19 October 2010}}

The earthquake also caused seiches to occur in Lake Pontchartrain to the north of New Orleans, United States, located nearly {{convert|7500|km|mi}} from the epicenter of the quake.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/0227-quake-perspective_2010-02-27|title=How strong & rare was quake?|last=Erdman|first=Jonathan|date=27 February 2010|publisher=The Weather Channel|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405003158/http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/0227-quake-perspective_2010-02-27|archive-date=5 April 2010|url-status=dead}} In Antarctica a series of icequakes were triggered by the 2010 earthquake in Chile.{{Cite journal|title=Antarctic icequakes triggered by the 2010 Mauleearthquake in Chile|journal=Nature Geoscience|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269403331|last1=Peng|first1=Zhigang|date=10 August 2014|last2=Walter|first2=Jacob I.|doi=10.1038/NGEO221|last3=Aster|first3=Richard C.|last4=Nyblade|first4=Andrew|last5=Wiens|first5=Douglas A.|last6=Anandakrishnan|first6=Sridhar|doi-access=free}}

People were found dead after the earthquake struck, mostly under buildings and inside cars. Many people were also seriously injured. Most injuries were reported in Santiago and Maule.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

According to an Associated Press Television News cameraman, some buildings collapsed in Santiago and there were power outages in parts of the city.{{cite news|author=|title=8.8-magnitude earthquake hits central Chile|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2010/02/27/88-magnitude-earthquake-hits-central-chile-ph/|work=Portland Press Herald|agency=Associated Press|location=Portland, Maine|date=27 February 2010|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074757/https://www.pressherald.com/2010/02/27/88-magnitude-earthquake-hits-central-chile-ph/|url-status=live}} A fire was reported in a chemical plant on the outskirts of Santiago and caused the evacuation of the neighborhood. Santiago's International Airport seemed to have been damaged and the airport authority closed off all flight operations for 24 hours from around 12:00 UTC. On Sunday, 28 February, Ricardo Ortega, head of the Chilean Air Force, said commercial airline services had been partially re-established and aircraft were being allowed to land in Santiago.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/01/chile-military-earthquake-cities-looting|location=London|work=The Guardian|first1=Jonathan|last1=Franklin|first2=Adam|last2=Gabbatt|title=Chilean military takes control of quake-hit cities|date=1 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=9 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909172941/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/mar/01/chile-military-earthquake-cities-looting|url-status=live}}

Santiago's national Fine Arts Museum was badly damaged and did not reopen until 9 March 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.dibam.cl/bellas_artes/contenido.asp?id_contenido=798&id_submenu=1241&id_menu=18|language=es|title=Información al visitante|access-date=10 March 2010|quote=Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes agradece las expresiones de apoyo y comprensión luego del terremoto que afectó su funcionamiento durante la semana pasada. Nos complace informar que reabriremos nuestras puertas el martes 9 de marzo en horario habitual.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209232331/http://www.dibam.cl/bellas_artes/contenido.asp?id_contenido=798&id_submenu=1241&id_menu=18|archive-date=9 February 2010|url-status=dead}} An apartment building's two-story parking lot collapsed, wrecking 68 cars. According to one health official, three hospitals in Santiago collapsed, and a dozen more south of the capital also suffered significant damage.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35615455|title=Massive quake hits Chile, triggers tsunami|date=27 February 2010|work=MSNBC|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301120606/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35615455/ns/world_news-chile_earthquake/|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}}

File:Casa Pelluhue tras terremoto 2010.jpg|House thrown into the streets of Pelluhue after the tsunami

File:Chile Earthquake 2010 - Maipú 1.JPG|A severely damaged building in Maipú, Santiago

File:Canal ifarle tsunami.jpg|Tsunami in Talcahuano, Biobío Region

File:Vespucio Norte Highway after 2010 earthquake.jpg|Collapsed Vespucio Norte Express Highway in Santiago

File:2010 Chile earthquake - Carretera de la fruta.jpg|Fruit Road, O'Higgins Region

In Valparaíso, a tsunami wave of {{Convert|1.29|m|abbr=on}} was reported. The port of Valparaíso was ordered to close due to the damage caused by the earthquake.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The port started to resume limited operations on 28 February.{{Cite news|last=Soto|first=Alonso|date=1 March 2010|title=Chile ports resume operations after quake-union|agency=Reuters|editor-last=Picinich|editor-first=John|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/quake-chile-ports-idUSN0124166420100301|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226134327/https://www.reuters.com/article/quake-chile-ports-idUSN0124166420100301|url-status=live}} In Viña del Mar, a touristic city and part of Greater Valparaíso, several buildings were structurally damaged, principally in the district Plan de Viña.{{Citation|url=http://diarioelobservador.cl/1951-Esperan_entrega_de_estudios_estructurales_de_departamentos_da_ntilde_ados_en_Vi_ntilde_a.html|title=Esperan entrega de estudios estructurales de departamentos dañados en Viña|newspaper=El Observador|date=4 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010000/http://diarioelobservador.cl/1951-Esperan_entrega_de_estudios_estructurales_de_departamentos_da_ntilde_ados_en_Vi_ntilde_a.html|archive-date=7 July 2011}}.

Many cities in the Maule region were seriously affected by the earthquake which triggered more than 1,000 landslides, a significant contributor to earthquake fatalities. Mapped from satellite images, most landslides occurring in the Principal Andean Cordillera and a constrained area on the Arauco Peninsula. Curanipe, only {{Convert|8|km|4=0|abbr=on}} from the epicenter, was hit by a tsunami after the earthquake and still remained isolated from outside as of 28 February.{{cite web|url=http://www.lasegunda.com/ediciononline/cronica/detalle/index.asp?idnoticia=541275|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100405092013/http://www.lasegunda.com/ediciononline/cronica/detalle/index.asp?idnoticia=541275|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 April 2010|title=index|publisher=Lasegunda.com|date=29 September 2006|access-date=1 March 2010}} A surfer said the tsunami "...was like the one in Thailand, a sudden rise of water. One could not estimate the dimension of the wave, because it was advancing foam. There were 10 to 15 rises, the last one being at 08:30 in the morning."{{cite web|url=http://www.cooperativa.cl/surfista-que-sobrevivio-en-curanipe--el-maremoto-se-parecio-al-que-hubo-en-tailandia/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/205555.html|title=Surfista que sobrevivió en Curanipe: El maremoto se pareció al que hubo en Tailandia|publisher=Cooperativa.cl|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419202643/https://www.cooperativa.cl/surfista-que-sobrevivio-en-curanipe--el-maremoto-se-parecio-al-que-hubo-en-tailandia/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/205555.html|url-status=live}} In Talca, the capital of the Maule region, many dead were trapped in the rubble. The administrative building was uninhabitable, and the authorities had to be set up in the parade ground.{{cite web|url=http://www.ansa.it/ansalatina/notizie/notiziari/chile/20100227145035036363.html|title=Ansalatina – CHILE: MAS DE 30 MUERTOS EN TALCA|publisher=ansa.it|access-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302150010/http://www.ansa.it/ansalatina/notizie/notiziari/chile/20100227145035036363.html|archive-date=2 March 2010}} All but two of the local hospital's thirteen wings were in ruins. Dr. Claudio Martínez was quoted as saying, "We're only keeping the people in danger of dying." Hospital staff attempted to transport some patients to Santiago on Sunday morning, but roads were blocked.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/world/americas/01chile.html?pagewanted=2|work=The New York Times|first=Marc|last=Lacey|title=Frantic Rescue Efforts in Chile as Troops Seek to Keep Order|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303143202/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/world/americas/01chile.html?pagewanted=2|url-status=live}}

Damaged buildings and fires were reported in Concepción.{{cite web|url=http://www.eluniverso.com/2010/02/27/1/1361/terremoto-85-grados-deja-muertos-chile.html?p=1354&m=1835|title=Terremoto de 8,8 grados deja unos 214 muertos en Chile|publisher=El Universo|date=27 February 2001|access-date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301083005/http://www.eluniverso.com/2010/02/27/1/1361/terremoto-85-grados-deja-muertos-chile.html?p=1354&m=1835|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}} Rescue teams had difficulty accessing Concepción because of the damaged infrastructure. The fifteen-story residential building "Alto Río" toppled, trapping many of the residents. As the building was newly completed, 19 of the apartments were occupied and 36 were of unknown occupancy.{{cite web|url=http://www.larepublica.pe/internacionales/01/03/2010/destruccion-de-flamantes-condominios-en-chile-despierta-suspicacias|title=DestrucciĂłn de flamantes condominios en Chile despierta suspicacias|publisher=LaRepublica.pe|date=23 January 2009|access-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404020936/http://www.larepublica.pe/internacionales/01/03/2010/destruccion-de-flamantes-condominios-en-chile-despierta-suspicacias|archive-date=4 April 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.elinmobiliario.cl/proyecto/ficha.aspx?qs=18148&validacion=1|title=Ficha Condominio Alto Río – Departamentos en Concepción|publisher=elinmobiliario.cl|access-date=2 March 2010|archive-date=5 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305081223/http://www.elinmobiliario.cl/proyecto/ficha.aspx?qs=18148&validacion=1|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=123.cl – ENTEL.|url=http://noticias.123.cl/entel123/html/Tele13/Noticias/Regiones/Concepcion/397990.html|title=El sitio de Noticias del 123.cl|language=es|trans-title=The news of the 123.cl site|publisher=NOTICIAS.123.CL|access-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100305073531/http://noticias.123.cl/entel123/html/Tele13/Noticias/Regiones/Concepcion/397990.html|archive-date=5 March 2010}} A {{Convert|2.34|m|abbr=on}} tsunami wave hit Talcahuano, a port city and part of the Concepción conurbation. The tsunami caused serious damage to port facilities and lifted boats out of the water.{{Citation|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27115230.htm|publisher=Reuters Alertnet|title=Chile port town badly damaged by tsunami|date=27 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303080116/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27115230.htm|url-status=live}} In the fishing town of Dichato, of 7,000 residents, it was the third tsunami wave that ended up being the most damaging.[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0302/1224265432904.html 'The last wave almost wiped the village off the map'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020093343/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0302/1224265432904.html |date=20 October 2012 }}, The Irish Times – Tuesday, 2 March 2010.

Dilapidated buildings could be seen on the streets of Temuco, about {{Convert|400|km|abbr=on}} from the epicenter. The adobe of some buildings fell. Façades fell in pieces and crushed cars. Two people were reported dead because of not having been able to escape from a nightclub. On 27 February, it was reported that "finding an open business [was] almost impossible" ("Encontrar un negocio abierto es casi imposible").{{Citation|url=http://www.cronicalibre.cl/index.php/nacionales/2448-sin-agua-ni-luz-se-mantiene-temuco-bajo-constantes-movimientos-teluricos|title=Sin agua ni luz se mantiene Temuco bajo constantes movimientos telúricos|work=CronicaLibre.cl|date=27 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707005940/http://www.cronicalibre.cl/index.php/nacionales/2448-sin-agua-ni-luz-se-mantiene-temuco-bajo-constantes-movimientos-teluricos|archive-date=7 July 2011}}.{{cite web|author=Carmen De Carlos|url=http://www.abc.es/20100228/internacional-iberoamerica/temuco-sombra-luna-201002281135.html|title=Temuco, a la sombra de la luna – Internacional_Iberoamerica – Internacional|publisher=ABC.es|date=27 February 2010|access-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407104408/http://www.abc.es/20100228/internacional-iberoamerica/temuco-sombra-luna-201002281135.html|archive-date=7 April 2010|url-status=live}} Further south, in the city of Valdivia damage to houses were restricted to areas of poor soil quality, chiefly former wetlands and artificial fills. Some pavements near the rivershore in Valdivia cracked and collapsed much like in the 1960 earthquake. Overall there was little damage in Valdivia and this was highly localized. A survey showed that 434 persons in Valdivia had their homes damaged by the earthquake.

The earthquake also triggered more than 1,000 landslides mapped from satellite images{{Cite journal|last=Serey|first=A.|date=January 2017|title=Landslide inventory of the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake, Central Chile|url=http://www.wcee.nicee.org/wcee/article/16WCEE/WCEE2017-1873.pdf|journal=16th World Conference on Earthquake, 16WCEE 2017|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319194728/http://www.wcee.nicee.org/wcee/article/16WCEE/WCEE2017-1873.pdf|url-status=live}} with most landslides occurring in the Principal Andean Cordillera and a constrained area on the Arauco Peninsula{{Cite journal|last1=Serey|first1=Alejandra|last2=Piñero-Feliciangeli|first2=Laura|last3=Sepúlveda|first3=Sergio A.|last4=Poblete|first4=Fernando|last5=Petley|first5=David N.|last6=Murphy|first6=William|date=1 June 2019|title=Landslides induced by the 2010 Chile megathrust earthquake: a comprehensive inventory and correlations with geological and seismic factors|journal=Landslides|volume=16|issue=6|pages=1153–1165|doi=10.1007/s10346-019-01150-6|bibcode=2019Lands..16.1153S|s2cid=134371320|issn=1612-5118|url=http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/142500/3/Serey%20et%20al%202019.pdf|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023114452/http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/142500/3/Serey%20et%20al%202019.pdf|url-status=live}} Landslides are a significant contributor to earthquake fatalities. In Chile, 370,000 homes were damaged.[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rescue-efforts-ramp-up-in-chile-mines-affected-2010-02-28?reflink=MW_news_stmp Rescue efforts continue in Chile, mining industry impacted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304034403/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rescue-efforts-ramp-up-in-chile-mines-affected-2010-02-28?reflink=MW_news_stmp |date=4 March 2010 }}, Market Watch, 28 February 2010, 12:52 p.m. EST. The final death toll of 525 victims and 25 people missing was announced by authorities in January 2011. This is down from early reports on 3 March of 802 people dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2010/03/03/ya-suman-802-los-fallecidos-por-el-terremoto-y-tsunami/|title=Ya suman 802 los fallecidos por el terremoto y tsunami|publisher=Elmostrador.cl|date=4 March 2010|access-date=23 March 2011|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010158/http://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2010/03/03/ya-suman-802-los-fallecidos-por-el-terremoto-y-tsunami/|url-status=live}}

The Chilean National Emergency Office (Oficina Nacional de Emergencia) estimated that the intensity of the earthquake was 9 on the Mercalli intensity scale in the Biobío Region and 8 in Santiago.{{Citation|url=http://www.mdzol.com/mdz/nota/193225-Bachellet-confirm%C3%B3-que-hay-cinco-muertos-por-el-sismo-en-Chile/|title=Bachellet confirmó que hay cinco muertos por el sismo en Chile|work=mdz online|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620053559/http://www.mdzol.com/mdz/nota/193225-Bachellet-confirm%C3%B3-que-hay-cinco-muertos-por-el-sismo-en-Chile/|archive-date=20 June 2012|url-status=dead}}. {{in lang|es}} USGS put the intensity in Talcahuano at MM VIII, in Santiago and Concepción at MM VII and in Valparaíso at MM VI.

On 10 March, Swiss Reinsurance Co. estimated that the Chilean quake would cost the insurance industry between 4 and 7 billion dollars. The same estimate was echoed by the rival German-based Munich Re AG.

File:Terremoto Chile 2010-Incendio fabrica plastico.jpg|Fire at a plastics plant, Santiago, Chile.

File:2010 Chile earthquake - Hospital of Temuco.jpg|Hernán Henríquez Hospital of Temuco had to be evacuated after the earthquake.

File:2010 Chile earthquake - Car destroyed in Temuco.jpg|A car crushed by the rubble of a collapsed building in Temuco.

Notes: USGS=United States Geological Survey, SS=Chile's Seismological Service.

The records of deaths were reported by a number of different agencies at different figures immediately after the earthquake. The official total is 525 dead, 25 missing not all of which are identified in the table below.

File:Víctimas del terremoto de Chile de 2010.svg

The table below shows the percentage of the regional population whose homes were destroyed or were severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in the six most affected regions. The data were collected between May and June 2010.

Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110807122915/http://www.mideplan.gob.cl/encuesta-post-terremoto/documentos/informe-encuesta-post-terremoto.pdf Casen Post-Earthquake Survey], Ministry of Planning.

South of Araucanía Region, in the city of Valdivia, 35 houses were destroyed and 44 others were damaged.{{Cite journal|title=El terremoto chileno del 27 de febrero de 2010: Análisis preliminar de las consecuencias en la ciudad de Valdivia|journal=Investigaciones Geográficas|last1=Rojas Hoppe|first1=Carlos|volume=60|pages=139–153|last2=Díez Lorente|first2=Silvia|doi=10.14198/INGEO2013.60.08|year=2013|issue=60|language=es-cl|doi-access=free|hdl=10045/34749|hdl-access=free}}

{{Main|Humanitarian response to the 2010 Chile earthquake|Timeline of relief efforts after the 2010 Chile earthquake}}

Despite President Michelle Bachelet's earlier statement that Chile would only ask for international aid once it had assessed the extent of the damage, leaders of many countries and intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations and European Union, responded to the earthquake and sent messages of condolence to the government and people of Chile over the loss of life and property. Argentina, Mexico, the United States, United Kingdom, People's Republic of China, Singapore, Haiti, and Pakistan were among the countries that responded earliest following the quake.{{cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-02/28/c_13191071.htm|title=Int'l community offers sympathy, aid to quake-stricken Chile|date=28 February 2010|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302141610/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-02/28/c_13191071.htm|archive-date=2 March 2010|url-status=dead}}[http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97466&Itemid=2 Associated Press of Pakistan: President Saddened by Chile Earthquake; Conveys Solidarity to Govt, People of Chile] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130012932/http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97466&Itemid=2 |date=30 November 2011 }}. Retrieved 27 February 2010. Appeals for humanitarian aid were issued by the UK-based Oxfam, Save the Children, and others.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Chilean television host Don Francisco led a telethon called Chile helps Chile with the goal of raising 15 billion pesos (about US$29 million) needed to build 30,000 emergency houses ("mediaguas"). The charity event, which ran for 24 hours in Santiago starting on Friday 5 March at 22:00, was summoned by the government and organized by several Chilean NGOs. At 23:00 on Saturday the goal was doubled, collecting 30.2 billion pesos (about US$58 million).{{cite web|url=http://www.latercera.com/contenido/661_230917_9.shtml|date=4 March 2010|publisher=La Tercera|title=Así será el programa de televisión Chile Ayuda a Chile.|access-date=4 March 2010|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713185307/http://www.latercera.com/contenido/661_230917_9.shtml|archive-date=13 July 2011}}

The Chilean NGO Un Techo para Chile constructed 23,886 transitional houses for families affected by the earthquake.{{cite web|url=http://www.untechoparachile.cl/?page_id%3D1229|title=Página de inicio|access-date=18 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501063948/http://www.untechoparachile.cl/?page_id=1229|archive-date=1 May 2011}}

File:Tsunami damage in Pichilemu, Chile (27 Feb. 2010).jpg.]]

Nearly half the places in the country were declared "catastrophe zones", and curfews were imposed in some areas of looting and public disorder.{{cite news|url=http://www.cooperativa.cl/centenares-de-personas-saquearon-supermercado-en-concepcion/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/093816.html|title=Centenares de personas saquearon supermercado en Concepción|date=28 February 2010|publisher=cooperativa.cl|access-date=28 February 2010|archive-date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303165950/http://www.cooperativa.cl/centenares-de-personas-saquearon-supermercado-en-concepcion/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/093816.html|url-status=live}} On 28 February 2010, a day after the earthquake, some affected cities were chaotic, with extensive looting of supermarkets in Concepción. Items stolen included not only food and other necessities, but also electronic goods and other durable merchandise. To control vandalism, a special force of carabineros (police) was sent to disperse rioters with tear gas and water cannons.{{cite news|url=http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100228/83563/Turba-saquea-varios-supermercados-en-Chile-tras-caos-generado-por-el-sismo-de-88-grados-de-magnitud|title=Turba saquea varios supermercados en Chile tras caos generado por el sismo de 8.8 grados de magnitud|date=28 February 2010|publisher=Peru.com|access-date=28 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303122838/http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100228/83563/Turba-saquea-varios-supermercados-en-Chile-tras-caos-generado-por-el-sismo-de-88-grados-de-magnitud|archive-date=3 March 2010}} However, measures were taken late. The outgoing president didn't want to remind people of the Dictatorship years by militarizing the streets, thus failed to provide assistance on time to the city.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} When the situation became unsustainable and all sectors of the population were demanding actions, the government authorized the use of the military to control the affected cities. Despite these and other government acts (including the curfews), pillaging continued in both urban and rural areas of the affected zones.{{cite news|url=http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100301/83678/Ya-son-723-los-muertos-por-el-fuerte-terremoto-de-88-grados-que-destruyo-gran-parte-de-Chile|title=Ya son 723 los muertos por el fuerte terremoto de 8.8 grados que destruyó gran parte de Chile|date=1 March 2010|publisher=Peru.com|access-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808211411/http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100301/83678/Ya-son-723-los-muertos-por-el-fuerte-terremoto-de-88-grados-que-destruyo-gran-parte-de-Chile|archive-date=8 August 2011}} Reportedly, military police arrested 160 in Concepción on 1 and 2 March.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8542789.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Chile troops tackle quake looters|date=1 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011}}

In Concepción, despite the militarization of the zone, mobs continued to steal from supermarkets and went as far as to set one store ablaze.{{cite news|url=http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100301/83810/Saqueos-y-violencia-azotan-Chile-tras-terremoto-de-88-grados-|title=Saqueos y violencia azotan Chile tras terremoto de 8.8 grados|date=1 March 2010|publisher=Peru.com|access-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305060507/http://www.peru.com/noticias/portada20100301/83810/Saqueos-y-violencia-azotan-Chile-tras-terremoto-de-88-grados-|archive-date=5 March 2010}} The government warned looters they would face the full weight of the law, as penalties for stealing are increased under a state of catastrophe. A week after the quake the police—tipped by neighbors—arrested three people with massive quantities of looted goods stashed in their homes. Other looted goods such as mattresses, furniture, television sets and other electronic appliances were abandoned in the streets of Concepción during the following days.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7397527/Chile-earthquake-looters-return-1.3-million-of-stolen-goods.html|location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Chile earthquake: looters return £1.3 million of stolen goods|date=8 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=1 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601062248/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/7397527/Chile-earthquake-looters-return-1.3-million-of-stolen-goods.html|url-status=live}}

File:Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Earthquake in Chile.jpg|200px]]

According to the BBC on 5 March, the city and fishing port of Talcahuano, which lies but a few kilometers down the coast from Concepción, has been left largely to fend for itself. Neighbourhood vigilante groups, including one led by a public works employee with a gun license, and the few police present allow such behavior as residents' siphoning fuel from tanks at a petrol station, but step in if someone starts to attack a cash machine. One man stated, "I've personally saved dozens of people from attack in this apartment block."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8550960.stm|title=Lawlessness after quake in Chile fishing village|publisher=BBC|author=Will Grant|date=5 March 2010|access-date=5 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306053307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8550960.stm|archive-date=6 March 2010|url-status=live}}

Chileans living in regions not affected by the earthquake (including those living abroad) also grieved, as they sought to learn more regarding kinsmen and friends affected by the earthquake. In the hardest-hit zones there was no communication with the exterior because of the failure of electricity and the destruction of telephone lines.

In the prison of El Manzano in Concepción, a prison riot began after a failed escape attempt by the inmates. Different parts of the prison were set afire and the riot was brought under control only after the guards shot into the air and received help from military units.El Mercurio, 1 March. Cuerpo C, page C13

By 1 March, prison guards in a prison in Chillán had recaptured 36 of 203 prisoners who had escaped following the earthquake. During their escape, prisoners burned seven houses close to the prison. A witness in Chillán asserted that he had been robbed by prisoners with a machine gun who had also forced his girlfriend to kiss them. Another witness alleged sexual molestation by around twenty men who were believed to be escaped prisoners. The leading Chilean newspaper El Mercurio described the situation in Chillán as reminiscent of the "Wild West".

Four hours after the earthquake, when the death count was still low, President Bachelet gave a press conference in which she informed the population of the situation and stated that Chile did not yet need international aid.{{cite news|url=http://www.impulsobaires.com.ar/nota.php?id=86211|title=Turba Terremoto en Chile: Aumenta el número de fallecidos. Bachelet descartó tsunami, y dijo que no necesita ayuda internacional|date=27 February 2010|publisher=Impulsobaires.com|access-date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407050658/http://www.impulsobaires.com.ar/nota.php?id=86211|archive-date=7 April 2010|url-status=dead}} However, about two million people were affected by the quake with more than 500,000 houses uninhabitable. In many cities, people slept in tents, in parks or simply on the streets for fear of aftershocks. The government began distributing food and other vital aid around the country.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-01/chile-orders-curfew-amid-quake-chaos/346148?section=justin|date=28 February 2010|title=Chile orders curfew amid quake chaos|access-date=12 May 2013|archive-date=31 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531075844/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-03-01/chile-orders-curfew-amid-quake-chaos/346148?section=justin|url-status=live}}

On 28 February, President Bachelet said that her government had reached an agreement with the major supermarkets which would allow them to give away basic foodstuffs in stock to people affected by the earthquake.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/28/chile.quake/|publisher=CNN|title=Security concerns spread as Chile quake death toll rises|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=24 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124131436/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/28/chile.quake/|url-status=live}} By 28 February, the Santiago Metro rapid-transit network was already partially up and running and expected to be fully operative on the following day, 1 March.{{cite web|url=http://www.cooperativa.cl/metro-comprometio-para-el-lunes-restablecimiento-total-del-servicio/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/121510.html|title=Balance: 160 personas fueron detenidas durante la noche|publisher=Cooperativa.cl|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231936/http://www.cooperativa.cl/metro-comprometio-para-el-lunes-restablecimiento-total-del-servicio/prontus_nots/2010-02-28/121510.html|url-status=live}}

On 4 March, President-elect Sebastián Piñera, who assumed office on 11 March, was quoted as saying that his goals were "to cope with the emergency needs of citizens, find people who are still missing, provide prompt and timely assistance to the sick and wounded, and restore law and order so that people can return to peace."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8550140.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Rebuilding Chile 'to take years'|date=4 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=1 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401002522/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8550140.stm|url-status=live}}

Authorities of the central port city of San Antonio speaking on 3 March 2010, stated that the port had returned to eighty percent of capacity. On the same date, Raul Maturana, a spokesman for the Federation of Port Workers' union, stated that the port of Valparaíso was operating normally. However, ports in southern Chile, which were closer to the epicenter, remained closed.[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aW.tGFQaicJs Chile’s San Antonio Port Returns to 80% Capacity (Update1)], Bloomberg, Rodrigo Orihuela(Buenos Aires) and James Attwood, 3 March 2010.

On 4 March, President Bachelet said that Chile would need international loans and three to four years to rebuild.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN03127528._CH_.2400|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907183315/http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN03127528._CH_.2400|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2012|agency=Reuters|first=Terry|last=Wade|title=Chile wants loans, focuses on aid for quake areas|date=5 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011}}

On 10 March the National Commission for Agricultural emergencies (CNEA) assured that milk and wheat prices would not rise, despite fears of lack of fuel supply for transport and harvest of these products. In the same CNEA report the mill associations of central and southern Chile are said to have expressed that they had currently no production difficulties.[http://www.sag.gob.cl/OpenNews/asp/pagDefault.asp?argInstanciaId=1&argNoticiaId=504&argEdicionId=9 Minagri anuncia que consecuencias de terremoto no afectarán abastecimiento de trigo y leche] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010339/http://www.sag.gob.cl/OpenNews/asp/pagDefault.asp?argInstanciaId=1&argNoticiaId=504&argEdicionId=9 |date=7 July 2011 }}, 10 March 2010. Despite this on 11 March newspaper La Segunda cited the president of the bakeries association complaining on unjustified price rises for flour, who said of cases of price rises of 10 to 20%.[http://www.la2da.cl/modulos/generacion/mobileASP/detailNew.asp?idNoticia=C4R1E70FT20100311&strNamePage=LUCSGEC26SG1103.jpg&codCuerpo=701&iNumPag=26&strFecha=2010-03-11&iPage=3&tipoPantalla=24 Molineros aseguran normal abastecimiento de harina, pero panaderos acusan alzas en precios] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707011211/http://www.la2da.cl/modulos/generacion/mobileASP/detailNew.asp?idNoticia=C4R1E70FT20100311&strNamePage=LUCSGEC26SG1103.jpg&codCuerpo=701&iNumPag=26&strFecha=2010-03-11&iPage=3&tipoPantalla=24 |date=7 July 2011 }}, La Segunda, 11 March 2010.

The earthquake affected production at the Compañía de Cervecerías Unidas (CCU) and Cervecería Chile factories that together have a 90% share of the Chilean beer market. With an average annual per capita consumption of 36 liters, scarcity caused prices to rise from 990–1500 to 2000 Chilean pesos per litre. CCU responded by increasing capacity of their plant in Temuco that did not suffer major damage during the earthquake and by importing beer from their factories in Argentina. 50 trucks with beer are reported to have reached Santiago from Argentina. In March 2010, ten CCU executives said that the country will not run out of beer and that within two to three months production levels would be normalized.{{cite web|author=Rodrigo Bustamante Santiago de Chile|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/america_latina/2010/03/100309_0140_chile_sismo_cerveza_gz.shtml|title=El sismo hace escasear la cerveza en Chile|date=10 March 2010|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 March 2011|archive-date=13 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313124219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/america_latina/2010/03/100309_0140_chile_sismo_cerveza_gz.shtml|url-status=live}} Liquor store owners expressed complaints regarding a beer rationing scheme implemented by CCU. The scarcity favored consumption of "premium beers" like Kunstmann and Paceña.{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurioantofagasta.cl/prontus4_noticias/site/artic/20100414/pags/20100414000505.html|title=Continúa la escasez de cerveza por terremoto|publisher=Mercurioantofagasta.cl|date=14 April 2010|access-date=23 March 2011|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707011600/http://www.mercurioantofagasta.cl/prontus4_noticias/site/artic/20100414/pags/20100414000505.html|url-status=live}}

A tsunami warning was first declared for Chile and Peru,{{cite web|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1018157/australia-on-tsunami-watch-after-quake|title=Australia on tsunami watch after quake|publisher=News.ninemsn.com.au|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302022133/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/1018157/australia-on-tsunami-watch-after-quake|archive-date=2 March 2010|url-status=dead}} and a tsunami watch for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, Panama and Costa Rica.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/27/chile.quake/index.html|title=Massive earthquake, aftershocks rattle Chile tsunami warning issued|publisher=CNN|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301044543/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/27/chile.quake/index.html|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}}[http://www.peoplestar.co.uk/index.html?watch=69 « Strong earthquake hits Chile, Tsunami warning issued in region »] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707164100/http://www.peoplestar.co.uk/index.html?watch=69 |date=7 July 2012 }}, peoplestar.co.uk, Retrieved on 27 February 2010. The warning was later extended to a Pacific Ocean-wide warning, covering all coastal areas on the Pacific Ocean except the west coast of the United States, British Columbia, and Alaska.{{cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.104329.txt|title=Pacific Tsunami Warning Center|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301011944/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.104329.txt|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}} Hawaiian media reported that tsunami warning sirens first sounded at 06:00 local time.{{cite news|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12055046|title=Tsunami warning in effect for Hawaii|date=27 February 2010|work=Hawaii News Now|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301133849/http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12055046|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead}} The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories about potential tsunami of less than {{Convert|1|m|abbr=on}} striking the Pacific Ocean coastline between California and most of Alaska late in the afternoon or through the evening 12 or more hours after the initial earthquake.{{cite news|last=Becerra|first=Hector|date=27 February 2010|title=L.A. County fire officials expect waves from Chile quake to top at 3 feet; no warning to be issued|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/02/california-beaches-to-see-waves-peak-at-three-feet-experts-say.html|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301135906/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/02/california-beaches-to-see-waves-peak-at-three-feet-experts-say.html|url-status=live}} The tsunami warning was cancelled for all countries except Japan and Russia in PTWC Bulletin 18 of 00:12 UTC on 28 February 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.234803.txt|title=PTWC Bulletin 18: cancelling warning for all countries except Japan and Russia|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303134415/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.234803.txt|url-status=live}}

In general, tsunamis tend to come in several waves, of which the first may not be the highest.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/tsunami-threatens-australia-new-zealand-hawaii-pacific-rim/story-e6frfku9-1225835190018|work=news.com.au|title=Tsunami threatens Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Pacific Rim|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302133343/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/tsunami-threatens-australia-new-zealand-hawaii-pacific-rim/story-e6frfku9-1225835190018|url-status=dead}}[http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=111419&fm=newsmain,nrhl New Zealand is among 53 Pacific Ocean nations where tsunami alerts have been issued following an earthquake off Chile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230195104/http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=111419&fm=newsmain,nrhl |date=30 December 2010 }}, NZCity, 28 February 2010.

File:2010 Chile earthquake - NOAA buoy 34142 - water column height short.png Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy 34142, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean 630 nautical miles (1170 km) southwest of Lima, Peru.]]

The U.S. National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning throughout a huge swathe of the Pacific region, including Antarctica.{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Memmott|title='Massive' Earthquake Hits Chile; Tsunami Warnings Up Across Pacific|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/02/chile_earthquake_tsunami_hawai.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301073207/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/02/chile_earthquake_tsunami_hawai.html|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}} In the Americas, the warning extended to Chile (including Easter Island), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama. A warning was also issued for the Oceania and Pacific Islands nations and territories of American Samoa, Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (including the FSM states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap), Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island, the Kermadec Islands, Kiribati, Marcus Island, the Marshall Islands, Midway Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna and Wake Island. Tsunami warnings were also in effect as far away as East and Southeast Asia including Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong,{{cite web|url=https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/gts/equake/tsunami_mon.htm|title=Tsunami Monitoring and Warning in Hong Kong|website=hko.gov.hk|access-date=15 February 2020|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131221814/http://www.hko.gov.hk/en/gts/equake/tsunami_mon.htm|url-status=live}} the Philippines, Russia and Taiwan.

Coastal areas of Canada's westernmost province British Columbia was under a tsunami advisory, and this was the most alarming advisory as the earthquake occurred during the same time as the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. No large wave was expected to strike British Columbia, but strong local ocean currents combined with a wave put low-lying coastal regions at risk of flooding.{{cite news|title=Coastal B.C. under tsunami advisory|url=https://vancouversun.com/Coastal+under+tsunami+advisory/2622092/story.html|work=Vancouver Sun|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402051033/http://www.vancouversun.com/Coastal%2Bunder%2Btsunami%2Badvisory/2622092/story.html|archive-date=2 April 2010|url-status=live}} The first wave was expected to reach southern British Columbia at 15:11 local time. Residents were advised to avoid beaches, harbors and marinas.{{cite news|title=Coastal B.C. under tsunami advisory after massive Chilean earthquake|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/world/coast+under+tsunami+warning/2622118/story.html|agency=Canwest News Service|work=Montreal Gazette|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403063509/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/world/coast%2Bunder%2Btsunami%2Bwarning/2622118/story.html|archive-date=3 April 2010|url-status=live}}

A tsunami advisory was also issued for coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington and southern Alaska in the United States.{{cite news|title=Tsunami advisory for Washington Coast|url=http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=290506|work=MyNorthwest.com|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-date=2 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302144412/http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=290506|url-status=live}} This tsunami advisory was canceled as of 07:13 UTD on 28 February.[https://archive.today/20131012125151/http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/2010/02/27/725245/25/message725245-25.htm Tsunami Advisory Cancellation #25 issued 27 February 2010 at 11:13PM PST], NOAA/NWS/National Tsunami Warning Center

Russian authorities lifted a tsunami alert for the Kamchatka coast, after the arrival of a {{Convert|0.8|m|abbr=on}} surge that caused no damage.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61R0RO20100228|agency=Reuters|title=Tsunami waves hit Russia, no damage reported|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=24 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524045139/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61R0RO20100228|url-status=live}} The tsunami was also reported to be small along the Japanese coast, and passed without incident. Many coastal areas in Japan had been evacuated as a precaution.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/world/asia/01tsunami.html|work=The New York Times|first=Martin|last=Fackler|title=Officials Breathe Sigh of Relief as Tsunami Passes|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=14 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314192826/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/world/asia/01tsunami.html|url-status=live}}

The projections use DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) gauges spread along the sea floor, which is a fairly new technology. Initial deep sea readings showed wave height of {{Convert|25|cm|abbr=on}}, which is huge for deep water, according to Gerard Fryer of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. He went on to say, "although it was huge, we didn't quite know what it meant because we haven't much experience with those. As we get more under our belts, we'll get better."

File:Agustín Ross Balcony after 2010 Chile earthquake.jpg damaged after the earthquake and tsunami in Pichilemu.]]

Some 30 minutes after the first shock, consecutive tsunamis hit coastal towns, among which Constitución suffered the hardest damage, with maximum wave heights of approximately {{Cvt|24.1|m|ft}},{{Cite web|title=Tsunami Event: Constitución, Chile|url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/tsunami/runup-more-info/18742|publisher=National Geophysical Data Center|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=1 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101173323/https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazel/view/hazards/tsunami/runup-more-info/18742|url-status=live}} and around 350 people killed.[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35644365 « Pacific coastline devastated; 350 killed by tsunami that hit one small town »] ,msnbc.msn.com, Retrieved on 1 March 2010. subsequently, a tsunami amplitude of up to {{convert|2.6|m|abbr=on}} high was recorded in the sea at Valparaíso.{{cite web|url=http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/2010/02/27/725245/04/message725245-04.htm|title=Tsunami message from NTWC|publisher=Wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328090340/http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/2010/02/27/725245/04/message725245-04.htm|archive-date=28 March 2010|url-status=dead}}[http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.094614.txt TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 004] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302130523/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.094614.txt |date=2 March 2010 }} by the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center A wave amplitude of {{convert|2.34|m|ft|abbr=on|2}} was recorded at Talcahuano in the Biobío Region.

[http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/ TSUNAMI BULLETINS–index] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306002335/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/ |date=6 March 2010 }} of frequently updated bulletins issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, including the latest. Robinson Crusoe Island, the largest of the Juan Fernández Islands, was struck by a large wave which led to the deaths of four people on the island, with eleven people reported as missing, according to Provincial Governor Iván De La Maza. President Bachelet is reported to have sent an aid mission to the remote island.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/28/2832244.htm Tsunami kills 4 in Robinson Crusoe islands] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301023838/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/28/2832244.htm |date=1 March 2010 }}, Agence France-Presse/Reuters.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/27/chile.quake.hawaii/?hpt=Sbin|title=First waves of tsunami arrive at Hawaii|last=Gutierrez|first=Thelma|date=27 February 2010|publisher=CNN|access-date=27 February 2010|location=Honolulu, Hawaii|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403081506/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/27/chile.quake.hawaii/?hpt=Sbin|archive-date=3 April 2010|url-status=live}}

As a precaution against the coming tsunami, partial evacuation was ordered in Easter Island, about {{Convert|3510|km|abbr=on}} away from the coast of Chile. The tsunami wave arrived in Easter Island at 12:05 UTC, measuring {{Convert|0.35|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.164746.txt|title=Tsunami Bulletin Number 011, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS, Issued at 165OZ 27 Feb 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302131325/http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2010/pacific.2010.02.27.164746.txt|archive-date=2 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/02/27/10/partial-evacuation-chiles-easter-island-ordered|title=Partial evacuation of Chile's Easter Island ordered | ABS-CBN News Online Beta|publisher=Abs-cbnnews.com|access-date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407100053/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/02/27/10/partial-evacuation-chiles-easter-island-ordered|archive-date=7 April 2010|url-status=live}}

On 27 February, defense minister Francisco Vidal said that the Chilean Navy had made a mistake by not immediately issuing a tsunami warning after the earthquake, a step that could have helped coastal villagers flee to higher ground sooner. However, an alarm was later sounded by port captains and saved some lives.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35637211|title=Chile minister says navy erred on tsunami|publisher=NBC News|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 March 2011|archive-date=17 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517055129/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35637211|url-status=live}} Mariano Rojas Bustos, then head of Chile's oceanographic service SHOA, which is part of the country's navy, was later fired for the organization's failure to provide clear warnings about the tsunami.{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/natural-disasters/news/article.cfm?c_id=68&objectid=10630298|title=Chile sacks official over tsunami alert|date=6 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=19 September 2011|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024235810/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/natural-disasters/news/article.cfm?c_id=68&objectid=10630298|url-status=live}}

;New Zealand

Initially, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) said they did not expect a tsunami to reach New Zealand,[http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/Files/Media_releases_2010/$file/National%20advisory%20No1.doc National Advisory: Tsunami – No Threat to New Zealand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522112304/http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/Files/Media_releases_2010/%24file/National%20advisory%20No1.doc |date=22 May 2010 }}, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, 20:34 on 27 February 2010. but later issued a warning stating that waves of up to {{Convert|1|m|abbr=on}} high were likely for the eastern[http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/Files/Media_releases_2010/$file/National%20warning%20No1.doc National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522112157/http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/Files/Media_releases_2010/%24file/National%20warning%20No1.doc |date=22 May 2010 }}, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, 23:18 on 27 February 2010. and later the entire New Zealand coast.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3384741/NZ-on-tsunami-alert|title=NZ on tsunami alert|date=28 February 2010|work=The Press|access-date=19 September 2011|archive-date=14 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214164401/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3384741/NZ-on-tsunami-alert|url-status=live}} By 19:55 UTC (08:40 local), CDEM reported wave activity of {{Convert|50|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in the Chatham Islands,{{cite web|url=http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf|title=#ChileQuake National Warning:Tsunami Threat to NZ Update18|publisher=Civildefence.govt.nz|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304153336/http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.NSF|archive-date=4 March 2010|url-status=live}} and {{Convert|2|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} surges were reported there later in the morning.Edward Gay and Derek Cheng, [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629052 1.5-meter tsunami wave hits Chathams, heading for mainland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210102534/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629052 |date=10 February 2011 }}, New Zealand Herald, 28 February 2010. A surge {{Convert|2.2|m|abbr=on}} high hit the South Island's Banks Peninsula,{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3387060/Lucky-low-tide-keeps-Chch-safe|title=Lucky low tide keeps Chch safe|date=1 March 2010|work=The Press|access-date=19 September 2011|archive-date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303061213/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3387060/Lucky-low-tide-keeps-Chch-safe|url-status=live}} while surges up to {{Convert|1|m|abbr=on}} high were reported in the northern North Island.Edward Gay, Derek Cheng and Michael Dickison, [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629116&pnum=0 Tsunami fears over as alert downgraded] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025002739/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10629116&pnum=0 |date=25 October 2012 }}, New Zealand Herald, 28 February 2010. By mid afternoon (local time), Civil Defence had downgraded the tsunami warning to an alert, while still advising that sea levels could change quickly for up to 24 hours from the initial surge.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3384728/Tsunami-alert-for-New-Zealand-after-massive-Chile-quake|title=Tsunami alert downgraded after Chile quake|date=8 March 2010|publisher=Stuff|location=New Zealand|access-date=19 September 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023140034/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3384728/Tsunami-alert-for-New-Zealand-after-massive-Chile-quake|url-status=live}}

;Antarctica

The U.S. Antarctic Program's coastal station along the Antarctic Peninsula, Palmer Station, went on a tsunami alert shortly after the earthquake struck Chile. To prepare for a possible tsunami, station personnel removed all Zodiac boats from the water and moved any materials from low-lying areas that waves could have swept away. Personnel also retreated to the station's highest building, GWR, while the tsunami warning was in effect, Ellis said. Palmer personnel developed a tsunami emergency plan following the 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean that created a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in 14 countries. While no noticeable tsunami occurred at Palmer, the station tide monitor displayed bumps of several centimeters, signifying that a small wave had indeed reached the shores of Anvers Island.{{cite web|title=Not shaken|url=http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/contentHandler.cfm?id=2045|publisher=The Antarctic Sun|date=3 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2011|archive-date=7 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207070204/http://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/contenthandler.cfm?id=2045|url-status=live}}

;Australia

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center (JATWC) sent out tsunami warnings for New South Wales, Queensland, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Tasmania, and Victoria. The organization warned of the possibility of dangerous waves, strong ocean currents and foreshore flooding to occur on the east coast of Australia for several hours on Sunday.{{cite web|author=|title=Tsunami Hits Hawaii, Causes Minimal Damage|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsunami-hits-hawaii-causes-minimal-damage/|publisher=CBS News|date=27 February 2010|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074526/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsunami-hits-hawaii-causes-minimal-damage/|url-status=live}} As a result of the warnings, patrolled beaches in New South Wales and Queensland remained closed (red flags) and lifeguards ushered people to leave the water. However beach goers and surfers ignored the warnings. Numerous onlookers also crowded parts of the shore to view potential effects of the tsunami.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/tsunami-threatens-australia-new-zealand-hawaii-pacific-rim/story-e6frfkvr-1225835186186|access-date=28 February 2010|work=news.com.au|title=Tsunami beach ban cancelled in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Pacific Rim|date=28 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301235417/http://www.news.com.au/national/tsunami-threatens-australia-new-zealand-hawaii-pacific-rim/story-e6frfkvr-1225835186186|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}} The beach ban was lifted by the end of the day and there was no reports of damage, flooding or other emergencies. Tsunami waves of between {{Convert|10 and 50|cm|abbr=on}} were recorded and their surges were believed to have created strong currents. Increases in sea levels include: Norfolk Island {{Convert|50|cm|abbr=on}}, Gold Coast (Qld) {{Convert|20|cm|abbr=on}}, Port Kembla (NSW) {{Convert|14|cm|abbr=on}}, Southport (Tas) {{Convert|17|cm|abbr=on}}.

;French Polynesia

A wave measuring up to {{Convert|1.8|m|abbr=on}} high struck portions of French Polynesia between 15:50 to 17:50 UTC with no reports of injuries {{As of|2010|02|28|lc=on|df=US}}.{{cite news|title=Tsunami waves up to 6 feet hit French Polynesia|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/Tsunami_waves_up_to_6_feet_hit_French_Polynesia|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|publisher=Black Press|date=27 February 2010|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109141956/http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/Tsunami_waves_up_to_6_feet_hit_French_Polynesia|url-status=live}} A wave 4 meters high was reported to have struck Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands.{{cite news|author=|title=Tsunami hits French Polynesia|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-02-28/tsunami-hits-french-polynesia/345468|work=Australian Broadcasting Company|date=27 February 2010|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=7 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207041406/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-02-28/tsunami-hits-french-polynesia/345468|url-status=live}} The first waves were expected to hit the main island of Tahiti at approximately 16:50 UTC (07:50 local). Cars and other automobiles were banned from roads closer than {{Convert|500|m|abbr=on}} from the Pacific Ocean.

Réseau France Outre-mer in Papeete reported that a wave measuring less than {{Convert|1|m|abbr=on}} passed east of the Gambier Islands with no damage, according to Monique Richeton, the mayor of Rikitea.{{cite news|author=|title=Tsunami hits French Polynesia; Pacific on watch|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Tsunami-hits-French-Polynesia-Pacific-on-watch/article16832222.ece|work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India|date=27 February 2010|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511081934/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Tsunami-hits-French-Polynesia-Pacific-on-watch/article16832222.ece|url-status=live}} Residents of the Tuamotus, which are low-lying, were told to move to the highest points on the island.

;American Samoa

The first wave was expected to reach American Samoa, which was still recovering from the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, at 08:51 local time.{{cite news|title=Tsunami alert in Pacific after 8.8 quake in Chile|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52179|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715192210/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52179|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2011|work=Radio New Zealand International|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010}} Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia urged residents not to rush to A'oloau, a high elevation area on Tutuila, as it could cause traffic jams, putting safety at risk. Many coastal towns, including the main city of Pago Pago, had already been heavily damaged in the 2009 tsunami. The first wave arrived on Pago Plaza at 21:58 UTC.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

;Philippines

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued an advisory that tsunami wave(s) were expected to hit the eastern coast of the Philippines on Sunday between 05:00 and 06:30 UTC (13:00 and 14:30 local). Residents of 19 eastern provinces "are advised to prepare for possible evacuation."[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100228-255780/Brace-for-possible-tsunami-after-lunch-Sunday----Phivolcs Brace for possible tsunami after lunch Sunday–Phivolcs] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301113126/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100228-255780/Brace-for-possible-tsunami-after-lunch-Sunday----Phivolcs |date=1 March 2010 }}, By Alcuin Papa, Philippine Daily Inquirer, First Posted 02:54:00 February 28, 2010 However, at 15:15 on 28 February 2010, all warnings were canceled.{{cite web|url=http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=342&Itemid=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116032901/https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=342&Itemid=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 November 2018|title=Alert Cancellation – Phivolcs|publisher=Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology|access-date=1 March 2010}}

;Hawaii

United States Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka issued a joint press release announcing the first tsunami evacuation in Hawaii since 1994.{{cite news|title=Inouye, Akaka urge calm|url=http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100227/BREAKING01/100227027/1352|work=Honolulu Advertiser|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite news|title=Caldwell serving as acting mayor|url=http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?Dato=20100227&Kategori=BREAKING01&Lopenr=100227022&Ref=AR&Show=0|work=Honolulu Advertiser|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Warning sirens were sounded throughout the state, as hotels in Waikiki evacuated tourists at 6 a.m. People in tall buildings were encouraged to move above the third floor. Waves measuring {{Convert|2.7|m|abbr=on}} high were originally predicted to strike Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawai'i at 11:05 local time (21:05 GMT),{{cite news|first=Allison|last=Schaefers|title=9-foot waves forecast for Hilo Bay at 11:05|url=http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/9-foot_waves_forecast_for_Hilo_Bay_at_1105_am.html|work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301114714/http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/9-foot_waves_forecast_for_Hilo_Bay_at_1105_am.html|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=live}} but by 11:18, major receding and waves had not been reported on the shoreline. By 11:40, several waves hit the islands amounting to raising and lowering of the sea near the coast, and a fourth wave hit around 13:12. The tsunami warning for Hawaii was canceled in the early afternoon on Saturday, 27 February.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Gerard Fryer, a geophysicist for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was quoted as saying: "We expected the waves to be bigger in Hawaii, maybe about 50 percent bigger than they actually were."{{cite news|url=http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/apArticle/id/D9E5B2F80/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903160812/http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/apArticle/id/D9E5B2F80/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 September 2012|title=Tsunami that raced across Pacific delivers glancing blow to islands, Asian coasts|first=JAYMES|last=SONG|agency=Associated Press Writer|newspaper=Grand Forks Herald|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011}} Early in the morning, the Center expected waves of {{Convert|3|m|abbr=on}}. In actuality, the highest tsunami waves ended up being about {{Convert|1.5-1.8|m|abbr=on}} peak to trough.{{cite news|url=http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100228/NEWS01/2280361/1352|title=Warning center learns from miscalculation|first=Gordon Y.K.|last=Pang|newspaper=Honolulu Advertiser|date=28 February 2010|access-date=11 April 2011}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

;British Columbia

At around 23:00 UTC (15:00 local), a tsunami warning was issued for coastal British Columbia. Extra precautions were already in place due to the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver at the time.{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2622152|title=Olympic Games proceed despite tsunami warning|publisher=Nationalpost.com|access-date=1 March 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100301135413/http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2622152|archive-date=1 March 2010|url-status=dead}}

;California

Small waves were expected in Southern California, and receding was reported at Long Beach. Minor damage was reported on some coastal areas. The tsunami damaged navigation buoys at Ventura.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/25296/|title=Tsunami damages buoys off Ventura, officials say|publisher=Santa Clarita Valley Signal|date=27 February 2010|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302030939/http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/25296/|archive-date=2 March 2010|url-status=dead}} Additionally, a boat was torn loose from its mooring and minor erosion occurred within Ventura Harbor. Damage to docks and pilings in the area was moderate.{{cite news|last=Clerici|first=Kevin|date=27 February 2010|title=Tsunami surge damages Ventura docks, sets boats loose|url=http://archive.vcstar.com/news/tsunami-surge-damages-ventura-docks-sets-boats-loose-ep-369583402-350055101.html/|work=Ventura County Star|location=Camarillo, California|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074727/http://archive.vcstar.com/news/tsunami-surge-damages-ventura-docks-sets-boats-loose-ep-369583402-350055101.html/|url-status=live}}

;Guerrero

In Guerrero, surges of between {{Convert|30|cm|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|1|m|abbr=on}} and receding of up to {{Convert|10|m|abbr=on}} were reported, and three small vessels were sunk at Tecpán de Galeana. The state tourism authorities announced they would be sending a letter to the CNN news network to protest the "alarming" way in which it had forecast a tsunami for the major tourist destination of Acapulco.{{cite news|title=Guerrero reporta daños mínimos por oleaje|first=Juan|last=Cervantes|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/662271.html?TB_iframe=true&height=650&width=850|newspaper=El Universal|location=Mexico City|date=28 February 2010|access-date=5 March 2010|language=es|archive-date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629045314/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/662271.html?TB_iframe=true&height=650&width=850|url-status=dead}}

{{Expand section|date=March 2010}}

Argentina has sent construction teams to Chiloé Island to help reconstruct some of the washed away coastal buildings. In July 2010, the government of Argentina released a statement that they would lend $300 million to Chile for reconstruction efforts using Argentine goods.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100722-713786.html|work=The Wall Street Journal|title=Argentina To Lend $300M To Chile For Rebuilding-Related Goods|date=22 July 2010|access-date=11 April 2011}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The following data, published by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the National Tsunami Warning Center, lists measured and reported values of the tsunami when it arrived at specific places. Some data is taken from the Chilean Army.

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• [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/27/world/americas/0227-chile-quake-map.html Maps of the Chile Earthquake] – The New York Times
• [http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/chile20100227/ Tsunami Event – February 27, 2010 Chile ] – NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
• [http://www.democracynow.org/2010/3/3/chile Chilean Earthquake Toll Passes 800; Aid Yet to Reach Many Devastated Areas] – Democracy Now!
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO16edaxoV0 Tsunami Animation: Maule, Chile 2010 (Mercator)] – Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• {{EQ-isc-link|14340585}}
• {{ReliefWeb-link|eq-2010-000034-chl}}
• [https://www.britannica.com/event/Chile-earthquake-of-2010 Chile Earthquake of 2010] – [https://www.britannica.com Britannica]

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