Tsunami Warning Issued After Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Chile

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the far southern coast of Chile on Friday morning, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting evacuations across the Magallanes region.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 9:58 AM local time between Cape Horn and Antarctica at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor was followed by multiple aftershocks, intensifying concerns over potential tsunami threats.

The Chilean government swiftly issued a tsunami alert for the country’s southernmost areas. President Gabriel Boric urged residents along the Magallanes coastline to evacuate immediately. "We are calling for the evacuation of all coastal areas in the Magallanes region," Boric posted on X (formerly Twitter), following alerts issued by Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED).

Authorities also ordered evacuations in certain Antarctic territories. Social media videos showed people calmly leaving coastal zones as tsunami sirens echoed in the background.

Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) warned that tsunami waves could reach bases in Antarctica and several southern Chilean cities in the coming hours.

Residents in Punta Arenas, one of the largest cities in the region, began moving to higher ground, following local guidance to reach areas at least 30 meters above sea level.

Across the border in Argentina, authorities in the southern city of Ushuaia—known as the southernmost city in the world—reported no damage or evacuations. “The earthquake was felt in Ushuaia and nearby towns, but no incidents have been recorded,” the provincial government stated, urging residents to stay calm.

Chile’s Seismic History

Chile, situated at the convergence of the Nazca, South American, and Antarctic tectonic plates, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. It has experienced several devastating quakes in the past.

In 1960, the city of Valdivia was struck by a magnitude 9.5 quake—the most powerful earthquake ever recorded—which killed nearly 9,500 people. In 2010, an 8.8 magnitude quake off the coast of central Chile caused a tsunami and left over 520 people dead.

As authorities monitor the evolving situation, evacuation efforts remain underway, and residents have been advised to stay away from the coast until further notice.