A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of South America Friday, prompting tsunami warnings, mass evacuations, and emergency alerts in Chile and Argentina. The United States Geological Survey said the quake hit beneath the Drake Passage, roughly 219 kilometers south of Ushuaia, Argentina - the world's southernmost city.
Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) issued a red alert and evacuation order for the entire Magallanes coastal region, including the strategic Strait of Magellan. Chilean President Gabriel Boric wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "all resources are available" and urged residents to "heed the authorities."
"We are calling for the evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region," Boric stated. "Right now, our duty is to be prepared."
The U.S. National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves were possible within 185 miles (300 kilometers) of the epicenter. "A tsunami is a series of waves and the time between waves can be five minutes to one hour. The hazards may persist for many hours or longer after the initial wave," the warning said. The earliest waves were expected to reach Puerto Williams, Chile, by mid-afternoon local time.
Social media videos from Punta Arenas showed sirens blaring as residents calmly evacuated to higher ground. Local broadcaster 24 Horas aired footage of residents carrying bags and walking along main roads. "We received the alert and we had to evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared," said one resident, Roberto Ramírez.
In Ushuaia, authorities suspended all water activities and closed navigation through the Beagle Channel for at least three hours. Local officials said the quake was felt most strongly in the city itself and to a lesser extent in surrounding towns. "In the face of these types of events, it is important to remain calm," the Tierra del Fuego provincial government said in a statement.
No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage were confirmed. However, the USGS recorded multiple aftershocks, including a 5.7, 5.6, and two 5.4 magnitude quakes in the same area within an hour of the main seismic event.
Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) warned that waves could reach Antarctica within the hour and said it may take up to 12 hours for waves to affect more distant locations.
Emergency authorities emphasized pet safety during evacuations and advised residents to bring essential belongings. Nearly 2,000 people had evacuated from at-risk areas by late afternoon, SENAPRED said.
