The deadliest earthquake in Chilean history strikes Chillán, killing approximately 28,000 people.

The 1939 Chillán earthquake occurred in south-central Chile on 24 January with a surface-wave magnitude of 8.3 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme). With a death toll of around 28,000, compared to the 2,231–6,000 of the Great Chilean earthquake of 1960, it is the single deadliest earthquake in Chile.

Chillán is the capital city of Ñuble Region, Diguillín Province, Chile, located about 400 km (249 mi) south of the country's capital, Santiago, near the center of the country. It has been the capital of the new Ñuble Region since 6 September 2015. Within the city is a railway station, an intercity bus terminal named María Teresa, and a regimental military base. The city features a modern, enclosed shopping centre in addition to the Chillán Market, an iconic multi-block, open-air farmers' market and street fair where fruits, vegetables, crafts, clothing and other goods are sold. The nearby mountains, such as in Laguna del Laja National Park and the Nevados de Chillán are popular destinations for skiing, hiking and hot springs.