A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the coasts of Argentina and Chile, just off the shore, on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
No casualties have been reported so far, but evacuations are underway, with Chilean authorities beginning an evacuation of the entire coastline outlining the Magallanes region, and Argentinian authorities focusing on the province of Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago located across the Strait of Magellan.
Despite the earthquake originating underwater, with the epicentre being 219km south from Ushuaia, Argentina, it was very much felt in the city.
Ushuaia, considered the world’s southernmost city, saw local authorities suspend all types of water activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for at least three hours. No material damage or evacuations have been reported so far.
“The earthquake was felt primarily in the city of Ushuaia and, to a lesser extent, in towns across the province,” the local government declared. as per an Associated Press report. “In the face of these types of events, it is important to remain calm.”
Chilean authorities issued a tsunami evacuation alert for the entire coastal section of the Strait of Magellan, situated in the southernmost reaches of the South American nation.
Due to a “tsunami alert, evacuation to a safe zone is being ordered for the coastal sectors of the Magallanes region,” Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response said in a message issued to the public.
“We are calling for the evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region,” Boric wrote. “Right now, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities,” stated Chilean president Gabriel Boric Font, in an X post, also assuring people that resources were available, should the necessity arise.
Local television footage showed the streets of Punta Arenas filled with residents searching for shelters. The Chilean city, located on the Strait of Magellan (in the Chilean side of Patagonia) connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The evacuation proceeded calmly and without panic. “We received the alert and we had to evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared,” Roberto Ramírez told the TV channel.
The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) reported that waves could reach Antarctica within the hour, while it would take longer to reach more remote locations around Antarctica.
