SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck the South Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents in Chile due to looming tsunami fears. The earthquake, which occurred at 8:58 a.m. local time, triggered at least a dozen aftershocks, raising immediate concerns among officials and citizens alike.
No damage or casualties were reported in the immediate aftermath of the quake. However, Chilean government officials acted swiftly, issuing evacuation orders for areas along the coastline of the Strait of Magellan, located at the southernmost tip of South America, as well as for research bases situated on the Antarctic peninsula. This precautionary measure was taken in response to fears that the tremor could potentially generate a tsunami.
Later in the day, the Chilean government lifted the tsunami warning after assessing the situation and determining that no tsunami was occurring. This decision allowed residents to return to their homes gradually. Nevertheless, officials continued to advise the public to stay clear of beaches and boardwalks to ensure safety. “Although the state of the emergency has been downgraded, it’s very important to remain alert to official communications,” stated Chilean President Gabriel Boric via a social media post. “In these cases, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was shallow, occurring just 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the seabed. It struck approximately 219 kilometers (173 miles) south of Ushuaia, Argentina, which is the southernmost city in the world and the main departure point for most Antarctic cruises. The U.S. monitoring agency had predicted that waves resulting from the quake could reach heights of up to 3 meters.
The Chilean government's estimates indicated that the initial impact of the waves would be on Antarctic bases, followed by effects in Puerto Williams, which is Chile’s southernmost naval station, and then on the coast off Punta Arenas, a larger town situated along the Strait of Magellan. Video footage broadcast by local news outlets showed residents in Punta Arenas calmly evacuating to shelters and higher ground while sirens echoed in the background. Schools in the affected region were also closed for the day.
In a demonstration of solidarity, Chile’s police force shared footage of an officer heroically assisting a man in a wheelchair as they navigated a hill in the largely deserted Puerto Williams. According to Chile’s national disaster response service, Senapred, around 2,000 residents were evacuated as a precaution, with additional protocols activated involving 32 individuals from the Antarctic research facilities.
President Boric, who hails from Punta Arenas, suspended his usual agenda on Friday to convene an emergency committee meeting aimed at addressing the earthquake's repercussions. He emphasized that “All state resources are available” to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens in the affected areas.
Chile is renowned for being one of the most earthquake-prone countries worldwide. Over the years, it has fortified its preparedness for handling both earthquakes and the tsunamis resulting from the tectonic activity beneath the Pacific Ocean. This experience and readiness have been critical in responding to seismic events and protecting the population.
