Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Southern Coasts of Chile and Argentina; Tsunami Alert Issued
A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck the southernmost region of South America on Friday morning, rattling areas along the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina and prompting immediate tsunami alerts and precautionary evacuation measures.
According to data provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic event occurred at approximately 9:58 a.m. local time (1258 GMT).
The quake’s epicenter was located in the Drake Passage, a remote stretch of ocean between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica.
Specifically, the quake struck around 219 kilometers south of Ushuaia, Argentina — one of the world’s southernmost cities — and at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers beneath the ocean floor, which increases the potential for seismic waves to displace large volumes of water and trigger tsunamis.
Shortly after the tremor was registered, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers issued an alert warning of the possibility of “hazardous” tsunami waves affecting coastal areas near the epicenter.
The advisory indicated that coastlines located within a 300-kilometer radius of the earthquake’s epicenter could be impacted by the resulting waves.
The alert urged residents and local authorities in potentially affected areas to remain vigilant and to monitor official guidance closely.
One of the areas under heightened scrutiny is the southern coastline of Chile, particularly around Puerto Williams, a small Chilean town situated on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel.
Tsunami waves were projected to reach Puerto Williams around 18:55 GMT (which corresponds to 2:55 p.m. local time) if generated, according to the tsunami alert bulletin.
In response to the potential tsunami threat, Chilean authorities acted swiftly by issuing an evacuation order for communities located along the coastal stretch of the Strait of Magellan, a strategically important maritime route at the southern tip of the country.
The order, which was reported by the Associated Press, called for the immediate movement of residents and workers in vulnerable coastal zones to safer, higher ground.
Local emergency services and maritime agencies have been mobilized to monitor the situation, assist with evacuations, and assess any early signs of wave activity or damage.
Authorities in both Chile and Argentina are also evaluating the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure in the broader southern region, although no immediate reports of injuries or property damage had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
The Drake Passage, known for its harsh maritime conditions and tectonic activity, lies between the South American continent and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Earthquakes in this region, while not uncommon, can pose significant risks due to their proximity to fragile ecosystems and isolated human settlements.
As of now, residents and travelers in southern Chile and Argentina have been advised to remain alert, avoid low-lying coastal areas, and stay tuned to official communication channels for real-time updates and further instructions.
