7.4-magnitude earthquake hits coasts of Chile and Argentina

The U.S. Geological Survey said a magnitude 7.4 earthquake occurred on Friday on Chile and Argentina’s southern coast. The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, but was later cancelled with no reports of damage or casualties.

The earthquake hit at 8:58 am local time, followed by at least a dozen aftershocks. As a precautionary measure, Chilean authorities issued evacuation alerts to the entire coastal area of the Strait of Magellan.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric posted on social media “We call for evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magaran region,” following an emergency service alert, which also ordered evacuation in nearby Antarctic areas.

Photos and social media videos show people calmly evacuated when the sirens sounded loudly in the background, Reuters reported.

Earthquake hits southern Chilean coast, triggering tsunami threat in Puerto Rico Williams — People evacuated the coastline after a tsunami consultation in Puerto Williams, Chile on May 2, 2025 after an earthquake in Puerto Williams, Chile. Gabriel Leiva / Reuters

The streets are quickly filled with residents looking for shelter, according to images played by local TV stations on local TV stations.

The evacuation proceeded quietly without panic. Roberto Ramírez told the 24-hour channel: "We received an alarm that we had to evacuate the work, but people were calm and well prepared."

The epicenter of the earthquake is in the Drake passage between the promontory and the Antarctic horn, USGS said, under the ocean 219 kilometers (173 miles) south of the Argentine city of Ushuaia.

Earthquake Map — The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit 219 kilometers south of Argentina on Friday. Elif Acar/anadolu by Getty Images

In Ushuaia, considered to be the southernmost city in the world, local authorities will be taking all types of water activities and sailing on the Beagle channel for at least three hours. No damage.

"The earthquake is mainly in Ushayaya City, and to a lesser extent in the towns of the province." "It is important to stay calm in the face of such incidents."

The Antarctic Institute in Chile told Reuters that the base there was also evacuated.

Shortly after the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued to the coastal areas within 185 miles of the center. Chilean authorities withdrew their warning late Friday after confirming there was no tsunami, and people could trick home even as officials continue to warn the public to avoid boardwalks and beaches.