A huge 7.4-magnitude quake shook off the southern shores of Chile and Argentina on Friday, prompting tsunami warnings and coast evacuation notices. The quake took place in a seismically active area between Cape Horn and Antarctica.
Shallow Quake Raises Tsunami Concerns
The earthquake, which hit at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers (6 miles), is one that raises the threat of tsunami waves, said the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was centered in the Drake Passage, which is an area with tectonic activity as the South American and Antarctic plates move towards one another.
Chile Issues Evacuation Alert for Coastal Residents
Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, SENAPRED, issued an immediate tsunami warning for the Magallanes region. Officials called on residents of the southern coast to evacuate to higher ground immediately as a precautionary measure.
Officials said they were following the situation closely, with emergency response teams on standby for possible aftershocks and coastal flooding.
Shocks Experienced Throughout Southern Chile and Argentina
Residents in portions of southern Chile and Argentina felt the earthquake, although authorities have not yet reported any casualties or major structural damage. Local media said the quake briefly caused panic in some coastal towns, but emergency procedures were quickly put into action.
Maritime Warnings and Emergency Procedures Initiated
Chilean coastguards activated tsunami sirens across several coastal municipalities and ordered ships to steer clear of low-lying ports and coastal areas. “All necessary precautionary measures have been implemented for the protection of the population,” an official in charge of emergency services reported.
National emergency systems were switched on in both nations to make preparations for any likely escalation, as disaster response teams were placed on alert.
Seismically Active Zone
he area of the Drake Passage, where the earthquake began, is notably characterized by recurrent tectonic activity due to the contact between large tectonic plates. Consequently, specialists continually monitor this region because of its high risk of large-magnitude earthquakes and associated oceanic disturbances.
