In 1912 the city was connected by train to Santiago , making it an important point of entry into Chilean Patagonia and augmenting its commercial development . By 1950 it had a population of 27,500 , and the city was rapidly urbanizing . However , the 1960 Valdivia earthquake destroyed much of Puerto Montt , collapsing the port and the train station along with many building and houses . Eventually the city recovered , becoming once again an important urban centre as well as a port of national interest
1960 Valdivia earthquake
1960 Valdivia earthquake
Puerto Montt