Chilean authorities issue tsunami warnings after a major earthquake, leading thousands to seek higher ground across affected regions.
**Tsunami Alert Triggers Widespread Evacuations in Southern Chile and Argentina**
**Tsunami Alert Triggers Widespread Evacuations in Southern Chile and Argentina**
Coastal residents respond to 7.4 magnitude quake with urgent evacuations.
Coastal regions in southern Chile and Argentina have seen significant evacuations following a tsunami warning prompted by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The quake struck on Friday at 09:58 local time (12:58 GMT) in the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake's epicenter was reported to be 219 km (136 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina, and occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 km (6 miles). Immediate reports indicate no injuries or structural damage, but the urgency of the situation prompted authorities to take swift action, particularly in Chile's Magallanes region and the Antarctic Territory.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric urged residents to evacuate from coastal areas, stating, "We call for evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region." In response, over 1,700 individuals left their homes for safer locations, including 1,000 residents from Puerto Williams and 500 from Puerto Natales. Additionally, 32 personnel at Chile's Antarctic research bases adhered to the evacuation protocols.
Social media footage showed crowds calmly moving to higher ground in Puerto Williams, while sirens echoed in the background. Moreover, a video shared by Chile's police force depicted an officer assisting a person in a wheelchair during the evacuation efforts, highlighting the community's solidarity in the face of potential danger.
On the Argentine side, the earthquake was felt mainly in Ushuaia, with some towns experiencing lesser tremors. Local officials reported that approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated from coastal areas to ensure their safety.
Chile, situated on the boundary of three tectonic plates, is no stranger to seismic activity, which adds an element of concern to residents in these coastal communities.
