Sun May 04 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Tsunami Warning Prompts Evacuations in Southern Chile and Argentina After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake

**Punta Arenas, Chile/Ushuaia, Argentina –** A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Drake Passage off the southern coast of Chile on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting the evacuation of thousands in both Chile and Argentina. The quake, which hit at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT), had its epicenter approximately 219km (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina, according to the US Geological Survey. The shallow depth of 10km (6 miles) contributed to the tsunami alert.

Chilean authorities issued a warning for the Magallanes region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, urging coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. In response, over 1,700 people heeded the warning, including approximately 1,000 from Puerto Williams and 500 from Puerto Natales. Additionally, 32 people evacuated from Chilean Antarctic research bases. Chile’s disaster agency (Senapred) activated its highest alert level, mobilizing all available resources.

Footage circulated on social media showed orderly evacuations in Puerto Williams, with sirens sounding as residents calmly moved to higher ground. Chilean police shared a video depicting assistance given to a wheelchair user during the evacuation.

While the earthquake was felt strongly in Ushuaia, Argentina, affecting other towns to a lesser degree, approximately 2,000 people were evacuated from the Argentine coastline as a precautionary measure. Authorities in both countries reported no immediate injuries or significant damage. President Gabriel Boric of Chile personally addressed the nation via X (formerly Twitter), urging coastal evacuation.

Chile, located at the convergence of three tectonic plates, is frequently affected by seismic activity. The situation remains under close monitoring by authorities in both countries.

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