After a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the area south of Argentina on Friday, Chilean authorities issued a tsunami warning and ordered the evacuation of coastal areas in the Antarctic territory and the Magallanes region.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck an area approximately 219 kilometers south of Argentina, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake occurred at 9:58 local time (12:58 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the agency’s initial estimate.
Argentine authorities did not immediately issue reports on possible casualties or material damage.
However, the Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) estimated the strength of the quake at 7.8 magnitude, located it 305 kilometers south of Puerto Williams, and issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas.
As a precautionary measure, the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) ordered the evacuation of beaches in the Antarctic territory and the Magallanes region.
The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric Font, called on the population to follow official instructions, stating on the X platform:
“We call for the evacuation of the coast across the Magallanes region. It is our duty to be prepared and to listen to the authorities.“
