A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Chile in the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antarctica at a depth of just 10 km (6 miles) on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, Report informs via Reuters.
Chile's SENAPRED disaster agency said there was no damage to critical infrastructure or people, but called for evacuations along the southern coast due to the risk of a tsunami.
"We're calling to evacuate the coast in the whole region of Magallanes," President Gabriel Boric said on X, adding that all of the state's resources would be made available to deal with any impact.
Videos on social media showed people calmly evacuating as sirens blared in the background. Photos showed parks and other evacuation points filled with students, workers and other residents throughout Chile's remote southern region.
Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service estimated that waves will reach Antarctica, followed by cities in Chile's extreme south in the coming hours.
Chile's Antarctic Institute told Reuters that bases were being evacuated. Approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated, according to local authorities.
SENAPRED said it was establishing a state of precaution, an alert associated with minor tsunamis. NOAA said waves from 0.3 to 1 meter were expected in Antarctica and waves measuring 1 to 3 meters were expected in Chile.