7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern Chile and Argentina; Tsunami Warning Issued

Tone & Political Bias: Center 

Why: The report is purely factual, based on geological data and official statements. It avoids political interpretation or ideological language.

Major Seismic Event in the Southern Hemisphere

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck early Thursday morning off the southern tip of South America, prompting emergency evacuations and tsunami alerts in both Chile and Argentina. The quake occurred at 8:58 a.m. local time, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirming its epicenter was located in the Drake Passage, approximately 219 kilometers (136 miles) south of Ushuaia, Argentina. It originated at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), making it a shallow and potentially more destructive quake.

The region where the quake hit lies near the intersection of the South American and Antarctic tectonic plates, an area known for complex seismic activity. Despite its magnitude, the earthquake did not immediately result in any reported casualties or structural damage.

Tsunami Alert and Emergency Response

In response to the earthquake, Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) issued an immediate tsunami warning. Authorities called for evacuations of coastal zones in the Magallanes Region, including the sparsely populated Chilean Antarctic territory. Residents in Punta Arenas, the largest southern city in Chile, moved to higher ground in a calm and orderly fashion.

The Chilean Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) indicated that tsunami waves could affect coastal areas within 300 kilometers (about 185 miles) of the quake’s epicenter. SHOA also warned that Antarctica’s coastlines could experience wave activity within one hour, and waves could continue to travel for several more hours across the region.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized the importance of following emergency protocols and confirmed that the government had mobilized all available resources. “The safety of the people is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Boric said in a public statement.

Situation in Argentina

On the Argentine side, the government did not order evacuations but issued advisories to halt all maritime and water-based activities near Ushuaia, including navigation along the Beagle Channel. Naval authorities implemented a three-hour suspension of maritime operations to prevent risks from possible tsunami waves.

Argentina’s National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES) confirmed the quake was strongly felt in the southern provinces but reported no immediate damage. Local emergency agencies remain on alert in case aftershocks follow.

No Casualties Reported So Far

Despite the strength of the earthquake and the scale of emergency responses, no injuries, fatalities, or structural damage have been reported in either country. Emergency personnel remain deployed, and monitoring systems are in place to track aftershocks or additional seismic movements.

Experts have pointed out that the sparsely populated nature of the region likely minimized the human impact of the event. Nonetheless, officials continue to advise caution and preparedness in case of further activity.

Monitoring Continues

Both Chilean and Argentine authorities are actively monitoring the ocean for any irregular sea-level activity. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from official emergency channels and avoid coastal areas until all warnings are lifted.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) stated that no widespread tsunami threat exists for the broader Pacific region but acknowledged that localized hazards remain near the epicenter.