A strong 7,4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, causing alarm in the Magallanes region. Due to the risk of a tsunami, Chilean authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of coastal areas.
Urgent evacuation in Magallanes
The earthquake occurred at 8:58 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located in the ocean, approximately 219 kilometers from Ushuaia, Argentina, and 440 kilometers from Punta Arenas, Chile, at a depth of just 10 kilometers.
Following the earthquake, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) activated the maximum alert, requesting the evacuation of the entire population near the coastline of the Strait of Magellan and the Chilean Antarctic territory.
"We're urging everyone to evacuate the coastline throughout the Magallanes region. Right now, our duty is to be proactive and heed the authorities.", expressed Chilean President Gabriel Boric from his official account on the social network X.
We call for evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region. At this time, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities. Regional and national COGRID (Cogrid of the Nationwide Risk Management System) is underway. All state resources are available. https://t.co/2qAA3TGEcN
—Gabriel Boric Font (@GabrielBoric) May 2, 2025
Aftershocks keep the population alert
Three significant aftershocks were recorded this morning, measuring 5,4, 5,6, and 5,7. Authorities warned that these tremors could continue for the next few hours and urged residents to remain in safe areas.
So far, no casualties or serious material damage have been reported, according to Miguel Ortiz, regional deputy director of management at Senapred. "We are assessing the damage, but people acted calmly and in an orderly manner.", Ortiz said at a press conference.
#SENAPREDMagallanes Red Alert is declared for the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica due to #Tunes.https://t.co/iGNWRGN8wX pic.twitter.com/nz6SuS86gZ
— SENAPRED (@Senapred) May 2, 2025
Citizens react calmly
In Punta Arenas, residents and tourists quickly abandoned the beaches and coastal areas. The evacuation was orderly, without scenes of panic, thanks to the population's advance preparation. Roberto Ramírez, a resident of the city, told the 24 Horas channel that "people are calm and well prepared."
On the other hand, the Chilean Navy indicated that the tsunami could first affect the Chilean Antarctic territory within an hour, while it could take up to twelve hours to reach other more distant locations.
#LAST MINUTE #Sismo After the 7.4 magnitude earthquake 219 km S of Ushuaia, Argentina there is a warning of #TunesCitizens evacuate Punta Arenas and the entire coastal border in the Region of #Magellan, #Chile.
pic.twitter.com/T1t9IGDUMS— David Álvarez Jiménez (@DavidAlvarezJi2) May 2, 2025
Argentina suspends navigation
In the Argentine city of Ushuaia, considered the southernmost in the world, the earthquake was felt moderately, according to provincial authorities. The Civil Protection Secretariat ordered the suspension of maritime activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for at least three hours, although no evacuations were reported.
"It's important to stay calm.", highlighted the local government of Tierra del Fuego.