Puerto Williams airport evacuated after earthquake due to tsunami warning
A 7.5 Mwp earthquake recorded at 9:03 a.m. this Friday, May 2, in the Drake Passage south of the Magallanes Region, triggered a Red Alert for a tsunami along the continental coastline of the Magallanes Region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory, according to Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED). As part of emergency measures, the Guardiamarina Zañartu Airfield in Puerto Williams was evacuated, and its operations remain suspended.
Chile’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) stated that “the personnel of the Guardiamarina Zañartu Airfield were evacuated and operations are currently suspended,” adding that flights will resume when conditions allow.
According to the National Seismological Center (CSN), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 218 kilometers south of Puerto Williams, and reached a maximum intensity of IV on the Mercalli scale in the commune of Timaukel, also in the Magallanes Region.
The Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) initially declared a State of Alert, later downgraded to a State of Precaution, for both the coastal region and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. However, SENAPRED issued a Red Alert for a tsunami, allowing all available resources to be mobilized in response to the “scale and severity of the event.”
The evacuation was carried out with support from technical teams and security forces, and was reinforced through the Emergency Alert System (SAE). SENAPRED urged the public to move to safe zones, stay informed via official channels, and avoid coastal or flooded areas. Municipalities were also instructed to coordinate preventive evacuations in vulnerable sectors.
In Argentina, the tremor was felt in Ushuaia, Tolhuin, and Río Grande, although no tsunami alert has been issued for the Fuegian coast. Local authorities remain on alert and are coordinating with international agencies. Aviacionline has contacted Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) for information on whether air operations in Ushuaia or Río Grande have been affected.
Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel, is a key hub for air and maritime connectivity in the southern region. Its airfield is essential for logistics to Antarctic bases and remote communities. Aerovías DAP operates two weekly flights connecting Puerto Williams with Punta Arenas using DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
No casualties or significant material damage have been reported so far, but the alert remains in effect as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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