http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maule_Region
go to link - map shows it is in the heart of chile (it like a state “county” here in this country)
It appears it struck right at the confluence of the smaller lines of power, which would mean the greatest concentration of people in that region.
Tsunami-Travel-Time of the earthquake of Valdivia, Chile, May 22, 1960. Contours are one hour intervals.