Significant earthquakes of 1847

October 19, 1847 Earthquake: Coquimbo, Chile

October 19, 1847

An earthquake struck Coquimbo, Chile on October 19, 1847. It caused a tsunami.

Map

Where it struck, with the other significant earthquakes within 200 km. Circles are sized and colored by magnitude; select one for its page.

The earthquake

Date
October 19, 1847
Place
Coquimbo, Chile
Epicenter
31.610° S, 71.180° W
Country
Chile

The toll

The record gives no deaths, injuries or damage for this earthquake.

What the record says

NCEI’s account, from the sources it cites.

Ref #4151847, Oct 19. On the 8th at 11:10, there was a strong and prolonged (2 minute) earthquake at Coquimbo. It was felt as far as Valparaiso, Santiago and Mendosa. In Coquimbo there were many recurrent shocks, including the shock of Oct 19, causing a heavy surf. The population was frightened. [It is possible that the date is not exact and that the description refers to the events of Nov 17, 1849.]

Note: According to the numbers and associated years of publication of the El Araucano, newspaper, Santiago, Chile, quoted in Reference #3843, the October 19, 1847 is a valid date.

Reference #3843

1847, October 19. October 8 to 18. Letter from Luis Troncoso to Ignacio Domeyko. Strong and continuous tremor 128 seconds (clock in sight), tremulous movement. Felt in Santiago at 9 o'clock. More than 1 minute. At 09:58 in Valparaiso. Felt in Mendoza.

Oct 19 - The strong revenge of the sea caused fright.

Other significant earthquakes nearby

Within 200 km, the deadliest first.

More

Significant earthquakes of 1847The 1800sRecent earthquakes near hereThis day in weather history

Sources

Significant earthquakes from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Hazard Database, cited as NCEI/WDS, doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7. Public domain. Read 2026-09-24. NCEI earthquake 10223.