7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Off Chile and Argentina Without Damage

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Chile and Argentina, leading to evacuations and precautionary measures but no damage reported. Citizens responded calmly, and officials implemented safety measures in both countries.

On Friday, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. This seismic event prompted swift action, with authorities in Chile ordering an evacuation of the coastal regions within the Magallanes area. Meanwhile, the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego halted all water activities and navigation in response to the quake.

As of now, there are no reports of damage or injuries. The earthquake’s epicenter was located beneath the ocean, specifically 219 kilometers (or 173 miles) south of Ushuaia, Argentina. This vast distance from populated centers seems to have mitigated any immediate impact on the cities themselves.

In Chile, the government issued an evacuation alert for communities along the coastline of the Strait of Magellan. This proactive measure was part of a tsunami alert that led the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response to advise the public to seek safety away from coastal areas. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of evacuating all beach zones within the Chilean Antarctic territory.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to social media to reassure citizens, stating that “all resources are available” for addressing any potential emergencies. He emphasized the necessity of being prepared and following official guidance: “Right now, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities.”

In Punta Arenas, a major city in Patagonia, residents responded to the evacuation alert without panic. Local television footage showed people gathering their belongings and heading to designated shelters. Resident Roberto Ramírez commented that, despite needing to leave work, evacuations were conducted calmly: “We received the alert and we had to evacuate at work, but people are calm and well prepared.”

Authorities from the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy warned that tsunami waves could reach the Antarctic coastline within an hour, while more distant locations could expect impact in up to 12 hours. Meanwhile, in Ushuaia, local officials made the decision to suspend all navigational activities in the Beagle Channel for a minimum of three hours, ensuring safety precautions were in place. They indicated that the quake was felt mainly in Ushuaia, with lesser tremors reported in neighboring areas. Local governmental announcements advised that it is crucial to remain calm during such incidents.

Contributions to this coverage were made by Débora Rey in Buenos Aires.

For ongoing updates and reports related to Latin America and the Caribbean, visit the AP News at the designated link.

In summary, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of Chile and Argentina without causing reported damage or injuries. Evacuation measures were implemented in anticipation of potential tsunami threats. Authorities acted swiftly to ensure the safety of residents, highlighting the importance of preparedness and communication during seismic events. Preparedness and a calm public response were crucial in managing the situation effectively.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com