A strong earthquake, measuring around magnitude 7.4 to 7.5, struck off the southern coast of Argentina and Chile near the Drake Passage early this morning. The quake’s shallow depth, about 10 kilometers, increased concerns over potential surface shaking and tsunami risks. Tsunami alerts were issued for Chile’s Magallanes Region and parts of Antarctica, prompting evacuations along southern Chile’s coastline, including towns like Punta Arenas.

Authorities urged residents to include pets and livestock in evacuation plans and set up temporary shelters in higher areas. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for calm and assured that all state resources were mobilized to protect lives. While the region is sparsely populated, power outages and infrastructure damage were reported and are being assessed.

Chile is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where major earthquakes are common due to tectonic shifts. The country has one of the world’s most advanced earthquake monitoring systems, developed after the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the strongest ever recorded.

So far, no significant damage or casualties have been confirmed. Officials emphasized the importance of staying alert and avoiding coastal areas until tsunami warnings are officially lifted. Aftershocks followed the main quake, and emergency teams continue to monitor the situation closely.

Residents are urged to follow official updates and take necessary precautions as emergency response efforts remain underway.