May 2, 2025 — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the southern region of South America early Friday morning, prompting tsunami warnings along the coastal areas of both Argentina and Chile. The quake occurred at approximately 5:38 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located off the Pacific coast near the Chilean city of Valdivia.
The tremor was felt across a wide area, including parts of central Chile and western Argentina, causing buildings to sway and prompting thousands of residents to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at a depth of about 22 kilometers (13.7 miles).
Authorities in both countries have issued urgent advisories, urging coastal communities to stay alert and follow official evacuation procedures. Chile’s National Emergency Office (ONEMI) confirmed that tsunami sirens were activated in several regions, including Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Ríos.
Argentina’s Civil Protection agency also issued a warning for the southern coastal provinces, including Chubut and Santa Cruz, although no major damage has been reported so far.
Seismologists are monitoring the situation closely, as aftershocks continue to ripple through the region. Emergency services are assessing damage, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where access may be limited.
No casualties have been confirmed yet, but officials are urging vigilance as more information becomes available.