In response to the seismic event in the Drake Passage, authorities mobilize evacuations, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
**Tsunami Alert Forces Evacuations in Chile and Argentina Following Significant Earthquake**
**Tsunami Alert Forces Evacuations in Chile and Argentina Following Significant Earthquake**
Coastal regions of Chile and Argentina enact emergency measures as a 7.4 magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami warnings.
Coastal areas of Chile and Argentina faced significant evacuations following a tsunami warning issued by Chilean authorities in response to a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The quake, which struck at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT) off the southern coast of Chile, was centered in the Drake Passage, located approximately 219 kilometers (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city globally.
The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), prompting immediate precautionary measures in Chile's Magallanes region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, as well as in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego region. As officials noted that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, residents were advised to remain calm and heed the authorities' guidance.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to social media platform X to direct evacuations along the Magallanes coastline. Reports indicate that over 1,700 residents sought refuge in higher ground, including around 1,000 individuals from Puerto Williams and 500 from Puerto Natales. In addition, 32 people followed evacuation protocols from Chile's Antarctic research bases as the country's disaster agency, Senapred, declared its highest alert level, allowing for maximum resource mobilization.
Footage via social media depicted the calm demeanor of inhabitants moving towards safety in Puerto Williams, with emergency sirens sounding in the background. Additionally, video posted by Chile's police showed an officer assisting a person in a wheelchair during the evacuation process in the small town of around 2,800 people.
In Argentina, reports confirm that the seismic event was predominantly felt in Ushuaia, with less intense tremors experienced in neighboring towns. According to local civil protection officials, approximately 2,000 individuals were safely evacuated from the Argentine coastline. As is characteristic of Chile, the nation frequently experiences seismic activity linked to the convergence of three tectonic plates within its territory.
