SANTIAGO, Chile – A 7.4-sized earthquake occurred on Friday from the southern coast of Chile and Argentina, prompting evacuation of Chilean coastlines throughout the Magalan region and halting water activity and navigation in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province.
No damage or casualties were reported initially.
The US Geological Survey said the epicenter of the epicenter was 219 kilometres (173 miles) below the sea, south of the city west of Argentina.
Chilean authorities issued evacuation warnings throughout the coastal area of the Magellan Strait, far south of the country.
“Due to tsunami alerts, the coastal sector of the Magalan region has been ordered to evacuate to the safe zone,” Chile’s National Services for Disaster Prevention and Response said in a message sent to the public.
They also requested that all beach areas of Chilean Antarctic Territory be abandoned.
Related Stories
Chilean President Gabriel Borik wrote in X that “all resources are available” to respond to a potential emergency.
“We are seeking evacuation of coastlines throughout the Magalan area,” Borick wrote. “Now our duty is to be prepared and listen to the authorities.”
Images broadcast on local television show that Punta Arena in the Strait of Magellan in Chile’s Patagonia and the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean Straits are quickly filled with streets. Many of them carried their luggage.
The evacuation proceeded quietly and without panic. “We had to receive alerts and evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared,” Roberto Ramirez told the 24-hour channel.
Chilean Navy or Shoa’s waterways and oceanographic services reported that the waves could reach Antarctica as early as the next time, but it could take up to 12 hours to reach more remote locations.
In Ushuaia, the Argentine city considered the world’s southernmost city, local governments have halted all sorts of water activities and voyages on the Beagle Channel for at least three hours. No material damage or evacuation has been reported.
“The earthquake was felt primarily in Ushuaia city and, to a lesser extent, in the provincial towns,” the local government reported. “It’s important to stay calm in the face of these types of events.”
By Nayara Batschke
