Coastal regions in Chile and Argentina are on high alert following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, prompting mass evacuations to safer ground amid fears of a tsunami.
Tsunami Warning Prompts Mass Evacuations in Chile and Argentina Following 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake
Tsunami Warning Prompts Mass Evacuations in Chile and Argentina Following 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake
Coastal residents rush to safety as authorities issue tsunami alerts after significant seismic activity in the Drake Passage.
Coastal areas of Chile and Argentina were swiftly evacuated after Chilean authorities issued a tsunami warning following a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the southern coast. The earthquake struck at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT) in the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antarctica, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicenter was located approximately 219 km (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina, noted as the world’s southernmost city.
The Chilean government declared the warning for the remote Magallanes region and the Antarctic Territory while initiating precautionary measures in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego region. The earthquake, which hit at a shallow depth of just 10 km (6 miles), has so far caused no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
In response, thousands of residents began evacuating to higher ground. Chile's disaster response agency, Senapred, reported that over 1,700 people, including 1,000 from Puerto Williams and 500 from Puerto Natales, have successfully moved to safety. Authorities have confirmed the highest level of disaster alert, enabling full resource mobilization for any necessary response.
Social media footage depicted people calmly ascending hills in the remote town of Puerto Williams, even as sirens sounded throughout the area. The Chilean police shared video clips showcasing officers assisting those in need, such as a wheelchair-bound individual being helped up a hill.
On the Argentine side, the earthquake was predominantly felt in Ushuaia, with additional towns experiencing lesser impacts. Local civil protection officials estimated that around 2,000 residents had been evacuated from the Argentine coastline as a precaution. Historically, Chile is susceptible to seismic activity due to the convergence of three major tectonic plates within its borders.
