2010 in Chile
Events in the year 2010 in Chile.
Incumbents
Events
February
- February 27 – An 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami strikes central Chile, affecting 80% of the population and leaving 525 people dead.
March
- March 11 – Center-right businessman Sebastián Piñera is sworn in as President of Chile, after 20 years of center-left rule.
May
- May 7 – Chile becomes the first country in South America to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
June
- June 28 – Chile's national football team advances to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years.
August
- August 5 – 33 miners are trapped in a mine in northern Chile.
September
- September 18 – Chile celebrates 200 years of independence.
October
- October 13 – All 33 miners trapped in a mine in northern Chile 700 meters underground are rescued alive after 69 days in captivity. The day-long event was broadcast live to millions around the world.
December
- December 8 – A fire breaks out at the San Miguel prison in Santiago, killing 81 inmates, the country's deadliest prison incident.
Deaths
April
- April 24 – Paul Schäfer, founder of Colonia Dignidad
May
- May 17 – Arturo Fontaine, former director of El Mercurio and former ambassador to Argentina
July
- July 21 – Luis Corvalán, former senator and secretary general of the Chilean Communist Party
August
- August 25 – Guillermo Blanco, writer
September
- September 28 – Héctor Croxatto, scientist, National Prize in Sciences laureate
November
- November 24 – Sergio Valech, bishop