7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Chile and Argentina; No Reported Damage

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile and Argentina, leading to evacuations and suspensions of water activities. No damage or injuries reported initially. The quake’s epicenter was 219 km south of Ushuaia, prompting swift official responses.\n

A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday. The quake prompted immediate emergency measures, including evacuations along Chile’s Magallanes coastline and a suspension of water activities in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. Remarkably, no damage or injuries were reported following the tremor.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 219 kilometers (173 miles) south of Ushuaia, Argentina, under the ocean. Chilean authorities responded swiftly, issuing evacuation alerts for the coastal areas of the Strait of Magellan, a critical waterway at the southern tip of Chile.

Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response issued advisories, urging citizens in coastal regions to relocate to safer areas due to a tsunami warning. In a public statement, officials emphasized, “Evacuation to a safe zone is being ordered for the coastal sectors of the Magallanes region.” Long beach areas in the Chilean Antarctic territory were also advised to be vacated.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to social media platform X, stating, “All resources are available” to deal with any potential emergencies. Furthermore, he called for a comprehensive evacuation of the coastline in the Magallanes region, adding, “Right now, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities.”

As concerns spread, residents of Punta Arenas, a coastal city in Chilean Patagonia, crowded the streets in search of shelter, as reported by local television broadcasts. Many were seen carrying essentials in bags, but reports indicated that the evacuation occurred smoothly, without widespread panic. Ramirez, a local resident, noted, “We received the alert and we had to evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared.”

The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy, or SHOA, provided information on potential wave activity resulting from the earthquake, warning that waves could reach Antarctic shores in about an hour and up to 12 hours for further locations.

In Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, local officials suspended all water activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for a minimum of three hours. Reports indicated that the earthquake was predominantly felt in Ushuaia, with lesser tremors reported in surrounding towns. The local government underscored the need for calm during such events, issuing reassurance to residents.

Time will tell how this quake might affect the area in the longer term, but for now, it seems the response has been effective in minimizing risks to lives and property.

In summary, the 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the coasts of Chile and Argentina prompted swift evacuation measures and precautionary alerts with no reported damages or casualties. The earthquake’s epicenter was found below the ocean, prompting both nations to take safety precautions including evacuations and suspensions of water activity. Authorities and residents alike managed the incident with calmness, illustrating preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com