A tsunami warning has been issued in southern Chile following a massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coasts of Chile and Argentina early Friday, prompting immediate evacuations. The earthquake hit the Drake Passage near Cape Horn at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Chilean authorities declared a red alert for parts of the Magallanes region and Antarctic territory, warning of potential tsunami waves that could threaten the coastline. President Gabriel Boric urged coastal residents to evacuate immediately, stating that preparedness and adherence to official guidance were crucial.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the affected areas, including the remote town of Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, located near the quake’s epicenter. Emergency teams and disaster response units have been mobilized to ensure public safety.
The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) continues to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay alert and avoid coastal zones until the threat subsides.
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