Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Southern Argentina, Tsunami Warning Issued

Buenos Aires (The Uttam Hindu): A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of southern Argentina on Friday, May 2, prompting immediate tsunami warnings for coastal areas within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicentre.

The quake occurred just before 9:00 am ET (6:30 pm IST), near the Drake Passage, approximately 219 kilometres south of Ushuaia, Argentina, according to seismic monitoring data.

Authorities in both Argentina and Chile swiftly issued tsunami alerts, warning residents along the southern coasts to evacuate as a precaution. Chilean officials specifically called for the evacuation of the Magallanes region, with additional advisories extending to nearby Antarctic zones.

Emergency services in the affected regions are on high alert as monitoring continues for potential aftershocks or tsunami activity.