A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Argentina early this morning, triggering tsunami alerts for portions of southern South America and sections of Antarctica. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was located roughly 200 kilometers south of Puerto Williams at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers. Several aftershocks, including at least four measurable events, followed soon after the main quake.

Emergency officials warned that tsunami waves could reach up to nine feet along Chile’s Magallanes Region, while parts of Antarctica may experience waves of approximately three feet. Local authorities began evacuating residents from vulnerable coastal communities, and early footage showed people leaving low-lying areas in towns such as Punta Arenas. Families were reminded to follow evacuation instructions and bring essential supplies, including provisions for household pets.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who has personal ties to the region, encouraged citizens to stay calm and rely on official channels for information. He emphasized that government resources had been mobilized to support response efforts, and teams were working to evaluate potential impacts near the epicenter. Although the Magallanes Region has a relatively small population, it remains geographically exposed to seismic hazards.

Chile sits within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most active seismic zones where major quakes are common. The country has experienced several historic events, including the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the strongest ever recorded. Authorities stated that monitoring would continue and urged communities to remain alert, particularly in coastal zones where wave activity could shift rapidly.