Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:52pm on 02 May 2025,Friday Weather & Environment
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile’s southern coast in the Drake Passage near Antarctica, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from the Magallanes region as a precaution. Chile's disaster agency SENAPRED confirmed no casualties or infrastructure damage. President Gabriel Boric assured full state support while Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde later announced the alert was being downgraded, though advised citizens to avoid coastal areas. Minor sea-level changes were recorded, with up to 90cm waves possible. The Hydrographic Service said waves would hit Antarctica first, with Chile’s extreme south affected later. Aftershocks continue to be monitored. (PC: AFP)
