Seismic prevention efforts in Ushuaia

Emergency preparedness initiatives in Ushuaia have transitioned from theoretical training to practical evacuation exercises. In mid-October, the Ushuaia Municipality’s Civil Defense Directorate conducted seismic prevention training for over 100 judicial personnel in Tierra del Fuego. This session focused on regional seismological conditions and the use of seismic hazard maps to strengthen organizational emergency protocols.

Building on these efforts, the Civil Protection Secretariat of Tierra del Fuego has scheduled a large-scale evacuation drill for November 11 at 9:00 a.m. This exercise, part of the binational ‘Zona Austral Resiliente’ project involving Chile’s SENAPRED, will simulate a two-stage emergency: an initial earthquake followed by a tsunami.

During the drill, participants will first move to designated meeting points during the seismic phase. Once tsunami alarms are activated, they will evacuate to a safe zone on Gobernador Paz Street, which has been established at a 20-meter safety elevation. The exercise involves approximately 16 institutions and over 150 personnel, including medical staff, emergency teams, and security forces, to improve institutional coordination and strengthen the local disaster prevention culture.