Massive 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert — Chilean Coast on High Alert
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Chile early Tuesday morning, triggering a tsunami warning and sending shockwaves through coastal communities. The quake occurred around 3:42 a.m. local time, approximately 50 kilometers southwest of the town of Corral, at a depth of 22 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Chilean National Emergency Office (ONEMI) immediately issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas within the Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground. Sirens blared through the early hours, and emergency officials began coordinated evacuations in several towns and fishing villages, where residents scrambled to gather loved ones and flee inland.
“There is potential for dangerous tsunami waves to impact the coastal areas,” ONEMI said in a statement. “People must remain calm but move quickly to safe zones as instructed by local authorities.”
Eyewitnesses in the affected regions reported intense shaking that lasted nearly a minute, rattling windows and toppling objects inside homes. “It felt like the earth was swaying under our feet,” said Carla Muñoz, a resident of Valdivia. “We grabbed our emergency kits and ran.”
As dawn broke, Chilean officials began assessing damage to infrastructure. So far, reports of injuries or fatalities have not been confirmed, but several roads are said to be cracked or blocked by landslides. Some towns experienced brief power outages and disruptions to telecommunications, further complicating coordination efforts.
Chile, located on the seismically active “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to earthquakes. The country has some of the strictest seismic building codes in the world, but even with strong infrastructure, an earthquake of this magnitude always carries the risk of significant damage and potential loss of life. The quake serves as a chilling reminder of Chile’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) also issued a statement, saying that tsunami waves measuring up to one meter above tide level were possible along some coastal areas of Chile. Neighboring countries including Peru and Argentina were placed on advisory as well, though no immediate threats were identified there.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric addressed the nation early Tuesday, assuring the public that emergency services were fully mobilized and emphasizing the importance of following evacuation instructions. “We are monitoring the situation minute by minute and working to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Boric said.
As of midday Tuesday, tsunami waves had begun reaching the coast, though initial surges appeared smaller than feared. Authorities, however, maintained the alert, warning that multiple waves could occur and that the first is not always the most powerful.
Local shelters have been activated, and the Chilean military has been deployed to assist with evacuations and provide security. Rescue teams are also standing by to assist any communities that may become cut off due to landslides or infrastructure damage.
Residents are urged to stay tuned to official channels for updates as aftershocks remain a significant concern.
