A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake rocked southern Chile on May 2, 2025, at 8:58 AM local time, sending shockwaves felt across the region. The earthquake's epicenter was located 218.1 kilometers south of Puerto Williams, at a depth of 10 kilometers, as reported by the Centro Sismologico Nacional (Csn).
The tremor struck an area known for its low population density, situated in the Magallanes region, near the border with Argentina. Despite the earthquake's intensity, the region's sparse population minimized potential casualties. However, the initial impact of the quake prompted Chilean authorities to issue a tsunami warning, leading to evacuation orders for coastal residents.
President Gabriel Boric took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), urging residents to evacuate the coastal areas of Magallanes. He emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "We ask to evacuate the coastal region of Magallanes," and highlighted that all necessary resources were being mobilized to ensure public safety.
In response to the tsunami alert, the Chilean Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Shoa) declared a state of alert, extending even to the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The urgency of the situation was underscored by reports of a 6 cm variation in sea level, consistent with a "tsunami strumentale," which estimates wave heights of up to one meter.
Alessandro Amato, a seismologist from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, reported that a 20-centimeter tsunami wave was detected at the British base Vernadsky in the Argentine islands, near the Antarctic Peninsula. This early warning indicated that dangerous waves could potentially reach the southern coast of Chile.
Throughout the day, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded at least eight aftershocks ranging from 4.8 to 5.7 in magnitude, further heightening concerns among residents and officials alike. By 4:43 PM, six aftershocks had been confirmed, all below magnitude 6, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.7.
As the day progressed, the situation began to stabilize. The evacuation orders were lifted after it was determined that the tsunami threat had subsided. Juan Carlos Andrade, the regional director of the disaster management agency, announced, "The preventive evacuation has ended. Everyone is returning and resuming their activities, although all economic activities along the coast remain suspended."
Despite the lifting of the evacuation orders, authorities maintained a state of precaution, advising residents to stay clear of beaches and coastal areas until the situation was fully assessed.
In Argentina, the nearby city of Ushuaia, home to approximately 80,000 residents, also enacted evacuation measures as a precautionary response to the earthquake. Reports indicated that local authorities were actively working to ensure the safety of residents in the region.
Chile is no stranger to seismic activity, being situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently collide. This region has witnessed some of the most significant earthquakes in history, including the devastating magnitude 9.4 earthquake that struck Valdivia on May 22, 1960, which generated tsunamis reaching as far as Hawaii and Japan.
Following the recent earthquake, the Italian Embassy in Chile has been closely monitoring the situation and advised Italian citizens in the region to register their presence through the app "ViaggiareSicuri" or the website dovesiamonelmondo.it. The embassy can be contacted at +56978098998 for any assistance.
As authorities continue to assess the aftermath of the earthquake, they have confirmed that there were no significant damages to infrastructure or injuries reported among the population. The swift response from emergency services and government officials played a crucial role in ensuring public safety during this seismic event.
In summary, the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck southern Chile serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. While the immediate threat of a tsunami has passed, ongoing vigilance and preparedness remain essential for residents living in this seismically active area.
