A 7.4 earthquake struck the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica, at a depth of just 10 km (6 miles) on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake triggered a tsunami warning, prompting Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service to issue evacuation orders for coastal areas in the Magallanes region, located at the southern tip of the country.

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric took to social media to urge evacuations, stating that all state resources would be mobilised to respond to the situation. Videos shared on social media showed residents calmly evacuating as sirens sounded in the background.

Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) warned that tsunami waves could reach bases in Antarctica as well as cities in Chile’s far south in the coming hours. In response, Chile’s Antarctic Institute (INAHC) confirmed that evacuation procedures were being carried out at Antarctic bases.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning have raised concerns for the safety of those living in the affected regions, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety.

(With Reuters inputs)