7.4 magnitude earthquake hits southern coast of Chile and Argentina, USGS says
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, triggering a tsunami alert shortly after.
The quake occurred at 9.58 am local time (1258 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers in the Drake Passage, approximately 219 kilometres south of Ushuaia, Argentina, according to US Geological Survey.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 – 219 km S of Ushuaia, Argentina https://t.co/QzqRooM4PK
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) May 2, 2025
Following the quake, the US Tsunami Warning Centers issued an alert warning of the risk of 'hazardous' tsunami waves. The advisory noted that tsunami waves could impact coastlines within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.
In particular, the coast of Chile has been placed on alert. Waves could reach Puerto Williams, Chile, at approximately 18:55 GMT (14:55 pm local time), the warning said.
Associated Press, Chilean authorities issued an evacuation order for the coastal section of the Strait of Magellan, in the far south of the country.
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