7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Coasts Of Chile & Argentina, Triggers Tsunami Alert & Evacuation Orders

A massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit southern coasts of Chile and Argentina, prompting a tsunami alert. The tremor hit in the Drake Passage, 222 kilometres south of Ushuaia.

A massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina.

Source : X/@NCS_Earthquake

An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, prompting Chilean authorities to issue an evacuation alert for coastal areas across the Magallanes region. In neighbouring Argentina, officials suspended water activities and navigation in the Tierra del Fuego province as a precaution.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicentre was located beneath the ocean, approximately 219 kilometres (about 173 miles) south of the Argentine city of Ushuaia. No damage or casualties were initially reported following the tremor.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 - 219 km S of Ushuaia, Argentina https://t.co/QzqRooM4PK

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) May 2, 2025

The National Center for Seismology also posted, "EQ of M: 7.3, On: 02/05/2025 18:28:32 IST, Lat: 56.78 S, Long: 67.84 W, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Drake Passage."

EQ of M: 7.3, On: 02/05/2025 18:28:32 IST, Lat: 56.78 S, Long: 67.84 W, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Drake Passage.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjcVGs @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/wpo4comVoI

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) May 2, 2025

Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) said in a public message that due to a tsunami alert, “evacuation to a safe zone is being ordered for the coastal sectors of the Magallanes region.” The alert extended to all beach areas in the Chilean Antarctic territory, which were instructed to be vacated.

Chilean President Assures People 'All Resources Available', Stresses Duty To Be Prepared 

Chilean President Gabriel Boric assured the public on social media that the government was fully mobilised to respond to any emergencies arising from the quake. “All resources are available,” Boric posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “We are calling for the evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region. Right now, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities.”

In Punta Arenas, located in Chilean Patagonia and along the Strait of Magellan—which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—residents were seen rushing to shelters with bags in hand, as shown in footage broadcast by local television, news agency AP reported. Despite the urgency, evacuations proceeded calmly. Speaking to the 24-hour channel, a local resident, Roberto Ramírez, said, “We received the alert and we had to evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared.”

The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) warned that waves could reach Antarctica within the hour and potentially take up to 12 hours to impact more distant areas.

In Argentina, local authorities in Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—suspended all forms of water activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for at least three hours. No evacuations or material damage were reported in the city or surrounding towns.

“The earthquake was felt primarily in the city of Ushuaia and, to a lesser extent, in towns across the province,” the local government said, as per AP. “In the face of these types of events, it is important to remain calm.”

Citing the threat of a tsunami, the Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response ordered the evacuation of the beach area of the Antarctic Territory, Magallanes Region.