The coastal regions of Chile and Argentina are witnessing significant evacuations after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Chile. The earthquake, which occurred at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT) in the Drake Passage, is prompting immediate precautionary measures among local authorities and residents.
The epicenter, located approximately 219km (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina – known as the world's southernmost city – led Chilean authorities to issue a tsunami alert targeting the Magallanes region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Argentina's Tierra del Fuego region also initiated corresponding safety protocols.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10km (6 miles). Fortunately, there have not been any immediate reports of injuries or damage, although more than 1,700 residents sought refuge on higher ground in the affected locations. This includes roughly 1,000 individuals who evacuated from Puerto Williams and around 500 from Puerto Natales. Residents at Chilean Antarctic research bases also adhered to evacuation procedures.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the importance of evacuating coastal areas in the Magallanes region. Footage shared online depicted residents calmly ascending hills, despite the alarming situation, with sirens heard in the background. In a display of solidarity and concern, local police helped individuals needing assistance, including one officer seen pushing a wheelchair user up a steep incline in Puerto Williams.
In Argentina, officials reported that Ushuaia felt the earthquake with varying intensity, while other northern towns in Tierra del Fuego were disrupted to a lesser degree. Actions were swiftly taken by the civil protection agency in the region to ensure the safety of approximately 2,000 evacuated individuals from the Argentine coastline. Chile, located in a geologically active region where multiple tectonic plates converge, regularly experiences seismic activity, making these preventive measures crucial for public safety.
The epicenter, located approximately 219km (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina – known as the world's southernmost city – led Chilean authorities to issue a tsunami alert targeting the Magallanes region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Argentina's Tierra del Fuego region also initiated corresponding safety protocols.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10km (6 miles). Fortunately, there have not been any immediate reports of injuries or damage, although more than 1,700 residents sought refuge on higher ground in the affected locations. This includes roughly 1,000 individuals who evacuated from Puerto Williams and around 500 from Puerto Natales. Residents at Chilean Antarctic research bases also adhered to evacuation procedures.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the importance of evacuating coastal areas in the Magallanes region. Footage shared online depicted residents calmly ascending hills, despite the alarming situation, with sirens heard in the background. In a display of solidarity and concern, local police helped individuals needing assistance, including one officer seen pushing a wheelchair user up a steep incline in Puerto Williams.
In Argentina, officials reported that Ushuaia felt the earthquake with varying intensity, while other northern towns in Tierra del Fuego were disrupted to a lesser degree. Actions were swiftly taken by the civil protection agency in the region to ensure the safety of approximately 2,000 evacuated individuals from the Argentine coastline. Chile, located in a geologically active region where multiple tectonic plates converge, regularly experiences seismic activity, making these preventive measures crucial for public safety.
