Coastal communities in both Chile and Argentina are taking precautionary measures following a tsunami warning issued after a substantial 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the southern coastline. The quake struck on Friday at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT) in the Drake Passage, situated between Cape Horn and Antarctica, with its epicenter reported to be 219 kilometers (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world.
In response to the earthquake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), Chilean officials warned residents in the Magallanes region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory to evacuate to higher ground. Evacuation protocols were also implemented in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego region due to the seismic event. Thousands of individuals, including around 1,700 from various towns in Chile such as Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales, adhered to these warnings, seeking refuge in safer areas.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric made a public appeal urging people along the Magallanes coastline to evacuate, emphasizing the importance of adhering to emergency guidelines. According to Chile’s disaster management agency (Senapred), over 1,700 residents evacuated, with a reported 32 individuals also following evacuation procedures from Antarctic research stations.
Footage circulating on social media depicted residents in Puerto Williams diligently moving uphill amidst looming sirens, including scenes of police assisting those in need, such as individuals in wheelchairs. The tremors were notably felt in Ushuaia, with reports suggesting that other communities experienced a milder impact.
Regional authorities indicated that approximately 2,000 individuals were successfully relocated away from the Argentine shoreline. Chile is prone to such earthquakes due to the convergence of three tectonic plates, which underscores the persistent natural risk in the region. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or damages following this seismic event, but vigilance remains high as communities work together in the aftermath of the quake.
