Chile's Southern Coast Hit By 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Prompting Tsunami Evacuations

On Friday, May 2, 2025, a significant seismic event occurred off the southern coast of Chile, prompting immediate action from national authorities. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.4, struck at approximately 9:58 a.m. local time in the Drake Passage, a body of water situated between Cape Horn and Antarctica. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter to be about 219 kilometers (136 miles) south of Ushuaia, Argentina, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles)

In response to the potential tsunami threat, Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) issued an evacuation order for the coastal areas of the Magallanes Region, including the Chilean Antarctic Territory. President Gabriel Boric emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents to evacuate calmly and adhere to official guidelines

The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) estimated that tsunami waves could reach the Chilean Antarctic bases and southern cities within hours. Residents in Punta Arenas were observed evacuating to higher ground in an orderly manner

In Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, authorities suspended all water activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for at least three hours as a precautionary measure. Although the earthquake was felt in Ushuaia and surrounding towns, no immediate damage or casualties were reported

Chile’s southernmost region, Magallanes, is sparsely populated, with approximately 166,000 residents as of 2017. The area is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” known for its high seismic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries .Dynamite News

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, assessing potential impacts on infrastructure and public services. The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow updates from official channels.The Scottish Sun

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