Chile Issues Tsunami Warning After Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Near Southern Coast. 

Chile:

Chile has issued a tsunami warning and ordered the evacuation of coastal areas in its southern region after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast near Argentina’s Ushuaia on Friday.

The tremor occurred approximately 219km (136 miles) off Ushuaia in the Drake Passage, at a depth of 10km (6 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was strongly felt in Ushuaia, and aftershocks have been reported in the region.

Chilean authorities issued the warning for the remote Magallanes region and parts of the Chilean Antarctic Territory. President Gabriel Boric called for the evacuation of the entire Magallanes coastline in a post on X.

More than 1,700 people have been moved to higher ground so far, including 1,000 from Puerto Williams and 500 from Puerto Natales, according to Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred). Thirty-two personnel at Antarctic research bases also evacuated as a precaution.

Senapred raised its highest disaster alert level, ensuring full mobilization of emergency resources. Miguel Ortiz, the agency’s deputy director of emergency management, urged people to “remain evacuated in the safety zone” until further notice.

Footage posted on social media, yet to be verified, showed residents of Puerto Williams calmly moving to higher ground as warning sirens sounded. Authorities are instructing the public to seek areas at least 30 meters above sea level.

In Argentina, the quake was felt in Ushuaia and nearby towns, though no injuries or damage have been reported, according to local officials.

Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation as residents brace for potential tsunami activity.