Chile lifts evacuation order after major quake, keeps coastal alert in place

Chile has cancelled its earlier evacuation order for coastal settlements in the southern Magallanes region following a major offshore earthquake, though authorities continue to advise caution along the coastline.

At a press conference, Alicia Cebrián, Director of National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED), confirmed that the evacuation mandate—initially issued due to a tsunami threat—had been lifted, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“The preventive evacuation of citizens has been cancelled, but they are still not allowed to approach beaches and coastal zones until a new notification from the Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service,” Cebrián stated.

The change in protocol came after tsunami waves reached the Chilean Antarctic base Arturo Prat. According to Cebrián, the observed fluctuations in sea level at the station reached a modest 6 centimeters, significantly below the threshold for widespread concern. However, she warned that coastal areas in the Magallanes region remain under alert.

“The forecast of dangerous waves with a height of 30 to 90 centimeters is still in effect for the Magallanes region,” Cebrián noted, urging residents to remain vigilant despite the lifting of the evacuation order.

The initial tsunami warning was issued following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck approximately 135 miles (218 kilometers) south of Puerto Williams. 

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A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck off the coast of Chile and Argentina on May 2 morning, triggering widespread evacuations and a tsunami warning.

The quake, which struck just before 9:00 a.m., has led to heightened concerns over the safety of residents in coastal areas, particularly in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Drake Passage, between Cape Horn and Antarctica, approximately 135 miles south of Puerto Williams, in Chile's southernmost region. The Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) swiftly responded by ordering the evacuation of coastal areas, particularly in the Magallanes region, due to the imminent threat of a tsunami.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude, stating that it occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles, which compounded fears of significant aftershocks. Dramatic footage from the region showed residents fleeing buildings, with many heading toward safety checkpoints as authorities initiated emergency procedures. Images captured civilians walking briskly through streets, with families and individuals attempting to reach designated evacuation zones.

In response to the earthquake, the Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) issued an official tsunami warning, also extending a precautionary advisory for nearby Antarctic territories. As of now, no confirmed reports of casualties or extensive damage to infrastructure have emerged, though local authorities are continuing to assess the situation.

SENAPRED issued a statement noting that they are closely monitoring the impact of the earthquake, including potential damage to vital infrastructure and essential services. The agency emphasized that detailed reports would be shared through incident and emergency bulletins as the situation develops.

Although initial assessments have not indicated severe damage, the magnitude of the quake and the subsequent tsunami warning have placed local authorities on high alert. As evacuation efforts continue and emergency teams work to ensure the safety of those affected, residents are urged to follow official instructions and remain vigilant as more information becomes available.

Further updates will be issued as the situation unfolds and more data is gathered on the potential impact of the tsunami threat.

By Vafa Guliyeva