Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Hits Off Coast of Chile and Argentina; No Damage Reported
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Chile and Argentina’s coasts. Evacuations were ordered along the Chilean coastline while water activities were suspended in Argentina. Initial reports show no damages or casualties.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor sparked immediate evacuation measures along Chile’s coastline and led to restrictions on water activities in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. Thankfully, preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties or structural damage.
The earthquake occurred underwater, approximately 219 kilometers (about 173 miles) south of Ushuaia, a city in Argentina. Following the quake, the Chilean authorities swiftly issued an evacuation alert for the entire coastal area of the Strait of Magellan, extending their caution to beachgoers in the Chilean Antarctic territory. Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response warned residents to vacate to safer zones due to a potential tsunami threat.
In response to the earthquake’s aftermath, Chilean President Gabriel Boric assured the public via social media that “all resources are available” for emergency situations. He urged citizens to evacuate, stating, “Right now, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities.”
In Punta Arenas, a major city in Chile and located on the Strait of Magellan, reports from local media depicted hundreds of residents swiftly seeking shelter, many carrying personal belongings. The evacuation unfolded smoothly without panic. Roberto Ramírez, a local, shared with a 24-hour news channel that people were “calm and well prepared” despite the scare.
The Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, known as SHOA, warned that tsunami waves could potentially reach Antarctica within an hour, with longer travel times for more distant locales. In contrast, the Argentine city of Ushuaia, recognized as the southernmost city in the world, saw authorities announce a temporary suspension of all marine activities in the Beagle Channel, which lasted for at least three hours.
Officials in Ushuaia noted that while the earthquake was predominantly felt in the city, it also had minor effects in surrounding towns across the province. The local government emphasized the importance of staying calm during such seismic events.
In summary, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of Chile and Argentina, leading to precautionary evacuations and safety measures but thankfully no injuries or damage have been reported as of yet. Authorities reacted promptly, promoting preparedness among residents. Both countries remain on alert, with monitoring underway for any potential tsunami impact.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
