Chile on alert: what time are the tsunami waves expected

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia,  triggered a tsunami warning that put much of Chilean territory on emergency alert. Authorities activated evacuation protocols in all coastal municipalities and suspended classes as a preventive measure.

The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) declared a red alert for the coastal border, in coordination with the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA). The situation, which remains ongoing, awakened the country's seismic memory.

What time the tsunami would reach each city in Chile

SHOA estimated the arrival of the first waves throughout the day, according to the following schedule:

• Easter Island: 09:25 (local time) / 12:25 (Argentina time)
• San Félix: 14:14 (local time) / 15:14 (Argentina time)
• Arica: 14:51
• Iquique: 14:55
• Pisagua: 14:57
• Patache: 15:04

The preventive evacuation began five hours in advance of the estimated arrival time of the waves, according to Senapred. This measure aims to ensure the orderly movement of the population toward safe zones.

The waves could reach between 1 and 3 meters (3.3 and 9.8 feet) in height,  according to initial technical reports. Geophysicist Cristián Farías clarified that these are not giant waves but rather a sea surge with great energy, capable of lasting more than half an hour and causing serious damage to the coast.

Senapred warned that the alert will remain active until further notice. Any lifting will be officially communicated through government channels. SHOA continues to monitor the behavior of the Pacific Ocean in real time.

Rapa Nui evacuated starting at 6 a.m.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) was the first to activate evacuation sirens, at 06:00 (local time), as soon as the tsunami warning was confirmed. There, emergency teams guided residents to elevated areas previously established as safe points. According to Senapred, this early evacuation is part of the protocol that indicates action at least five hours before the estimated arrival of the waves.

From Santiago, President Gabriel Boric led a meeting of the National Committee for Disaster Risk Management (Cogrid). Authorities from SHOA, Senapred, the Armed Forces, and the Meteorological Directorate participated. The president called for calm and urged people to follow only official information.

Chile and its tsunami prevention culture

Specialists compared this event to what happened after the Tonga eruption in 2022. Back then, the waves crossed the Pacific with sustained energy, without causing massive destruction, but still forcing the evacuation of coastal areas.

Since the devastating earthquake of February 27, 2010, Chile has strengthened its emergency infrastructure, invested in satellite monitoring, and carried out massive education and drill campaigns. Thanks to that learning, the population replied quickly to this new oceanic threat.