Argentina shaken by 7.4 magnitude earthquake: No loss of life reported
Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in southern Argentina, two further tremors measuring 6.6 and 6.4 occurred. While a tsunami warning was issued for the Chilean coast, no loss of life or structural damage has been reported.
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The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that a 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred near Ushuaia, the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province, at the southern tip of Argentina. The earthquake was felt at 09:58 local time. Local residents were gripped by panic due to the tremors.
AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUED
Following the main earthquake, two more aftershocks measuring 6.6 and 6.4 occurred in the region. Authorities warned the public to remain vigilant against potential aftershocks. Residents living in the city of Puerto Almanza were ordered to stay away from the coastline.
TSUNAMI WARNING FOR CHILEAN COAST
Immediately after the earthquake, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers issued a warning that “dangerous tsunami waves could occur” for the Chilean coast, located approximately 300 kilometers from the epicenter. The Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) requested coastal evacuations, particularly in the Antarctica and Magallanes regions.
EVACUATION ORDER ISSUED, THEN WITHDRAWN
An evacuation order was initially issued for the Magallanes region in southern Chile, but this decision was later canceled and the warning level was downgraded. Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated on his social media account X, “In such situations, it is always better to be safe than sorry.” Boric asked citizens to pay attention to official statements and to listen to the authorities.
Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) made a statement on social media, saying, “According to initial information received from international agencies, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Drake Passage off the coast of South America.”
NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE
No loss of life, injuries, or structural damage have been reported following the earthquake. Argentine authorities stated that the earthquake only caused some buildings to sway and furniture to shift. It was announced that approximately 2,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas as a precautionary measure.
Municipal officials in Ushuaia stated that the risk of a tsunami is quite low due to the geological structure of the Tierra del Fuego region. Despite this, all maritime traffic in the Beagle Channel was temporarily banned.
MILEI REMAINED SILENT
Argentine President Javier Milei has not made any public statement regarding the earthquake. This situation has drawn criticism on social media.
Authorities asked the public to be prepared for another major tremor. A call was made, stating, “Talk to your family to put your mind at ease and follow official sources of information.” Citizens, especially those on the coastline, were advised to review their evacuation plans.