A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Argentina’s coast, about 200 km south of Puerto Williams, near Chile. It occurred 10 km below the surface and triggered four aftershocks. Chilean officials fear it may cause a tsunami, especially along the southern Magallanes coast.
“Waves as high as nine feet may hit Chile,” warned the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while Antarctica could see three-foot waves. Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) expects the waves to reach southern cities and Antarctic bases in the next few hours.
Authorities ordered evacuations in the Magallanes Region. President Gabriel Boric posted: “We call for the evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes Region… All state resources are available.” Videos showed civilians fleeing Punta Arenas, with cars and people rushing away from the danger zone.
The National Disaster Prevention and Response System (SENAPRED) advised: “Continue to assess the impact on people and damage to infrastructure… Don’t forget to consider your pet and its needs.”
Though the Falkland Islands appear safe, officials remain on high alert. Chile, no stranger to seismic activity, faced deadly tsunamis in 1960 and 2010, making quick response essential.
