Chile issues tsunami warning after powerful earthquake strikes off Argentina's coast
Chile issues a tsunami warning and evacuates coastal areas in the Magallanes region after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes off Argentina’s coast.
Chile has raised alarm in the Magallanes region and parts of the Chilean Antarctic Territory, issuing a tsunami warning and advising evacuations from coastal areas after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast.
The 7.4 magnitude quake, which occurred 219 kilometers (136 miles) off Ushuaia in Argentina, was felt across the region, triggering emergency measures.
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Chile issues tsunami warning following 7.4 magnitude earthquake
After the earthquake, Chile's disaster agency, Senapred, activated evacuation protocols and now more than 1,700 people have been evacuated from coastal towns like Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales to higher ground.
Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, posted on X urging citizens to follow the instructions provided by Senapred, and evacuate immediately. "In these tough times it is our duty to prevent and follow the authorities' instructions" he said. He followed the statement saying that "All state resources are available".
Chilean President Gabriel Boric urges citizens to evacuate. Photo: Gabriel Boris' X account
Safety measures for Chile’s Antarctic research bases
The earthquake, which hit the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antarctica, had a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and fortunately did not cause any damage. According to Senapred, 32 individuals in Chile’s Antarctic research bases were also moved to safety.
Miguel Ortiz, Senapred's deputy director of emergency management, said people should "remain evacuated in the safety zone".
