Chile Declares Tsunami Warning Following Significant Earthquake

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has prompted an urgent tsunami alert for the Magallanes region, with residents advised to seek higher ground.

Chile has declared a tsunami warning following a significant earthquake that struck in the South Atlantic. The 7.4 magnitude quake occurred approximately 219 kilometers (136 miles) off the coast of Ushuaia, Argentina, at 1:58 PM local time on Friday, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. The country's coastal areas, particularly in the Magallanes region, are now under evacuation orders as authorities prioritize public safety amid ongoing aftershocks.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to social media platform X to issue a direct call for immediate evacuation, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and urging residents to leave the coastline promptly. "We call for evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region," he posted, highlighting the government's proactive steps in managing a potential disaster.

Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service has instructed locals to stay calm and comply with the directives from authorities and emergency response teams. As a precaution, residents are being asked to move to elevated areas that are at least 30 meters above sea level to ensure their safety in case of a tsunami surge.

Local media outlets are reporting this as a necessary precautionary measure, with officials actively monitoring the situation and ensuring that the community remains informed as events unfold. As updates continue to come in, residents are advised to remain alert and follow the latest safety guidance from authorities.