Earthquake in Chile and Tsunami warning today, May 2: how many degrees it was, epicenter in Puerto Williams, Magallanes
Stay up to date with the latest information on seismic activity in Chile today, May 2, with official data from the National Seismological Center (CSN) and the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA).
According to its official website, the National Seismological Center reported that around 9:00 AM (Chilean time), two powerful earthquakes struck Chile just three seconds apart, measuring 6.9 and 7.5 in magnitude. Both were located near Puerto Williams, in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region.
In response, the SHOA issued a tsunami alert for coastal sectors of the affected region, and SENAPRED (National Disaster Prevention and Response Service) ordered evacuations to safe zones. Additionally, SENAPRED instructed residents to leave all beach areas in the Chilean Antarctic territory.
President Gabriel Boric responded on social media:
“We urge evacuation of the coastal edge throughout the Magallanes region. At this time, our duty is to prevent and follow the instructions of the authorities.”
He added: “Regional and national COGRID (Emergency Operations Committees) are being activated. All state resources are available.”
While the Chilean government coordinates evacuation efforts through technical agencies and SENAPRED sends out alert messages, four aftershocks had already been recorded in Puerto Williams before 10:30 AM (Chilean time):
- Magnitude 6.1
- Magnitude 2.6
- Magnitude 5.3
- Magnitude 4.4