Coastal Communities Exposed to Storm Surge and Tsunami Events at Licantén, Maule, Chile: Evidence Through Remote Sensing Data

The Licantén coastal area in central Chile was severely impacted by the 2010 Mw 8.8 Cobquecura earthquake and subsequent tsunami, exposing the high vulnerability of coastal communities. Over the past decade, urban expansion has advanced toward the shoreline, increasing exposure to coastal hazards. This study aims to quantify shoreline dynamics and urban growth in Licantén between 2010 and 2025. We integrated satellite-derived shorelines (SDSs) from Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery, ERA5 ocean reanalysis to characterize extreme wave events, and an open-source building footprint dataset with high-resolution imagery for urban mapping. Results indicate a post-earthquake acceleration in shoreline erosion up to 5 m per year and a rise in extreme wave events linked to climate variability. Urbanized areas expanded by an average of 46.3%, intensifying risk in hazard-prone zones. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based coastal planning, including zoning and land-use restrictions, to reduce exposure and enhance resilience. This research contributes to climate adaptation strategies and sustainable coastal management in Chile.