In the southern regions of Chile, located on the South American continent, a natural disaster was recorded. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred in the country. The epicenter of the disaster was located in the Drake Passage, near the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Experts reported that the quake struck at an approximate depth of 10.8 kilometers. As a result, the earthquake was strongly felt in various cities of Chile as well as in neighboring regions of Argentina. Local residents and witnesses stated that the tremors lasted for several minutes, forcing people to rush into the streets in panic.
Following the earthquake, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) issued an official warning of a potential tsunami. The agency urged the population to remain cautious and ordered the urgent evacuation of several areas.
Mandatory evacuation zones included: coastal lands, rocky shores, marshy areas, estuaries, river mouths, coastlines, pedestrian paths, marinas, coastal roads, fishing ports, as well as various large and small settlements.
