A magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred off the southern coast of Argentina early this morning, prompting safety advisories for parts of southern South America and sections of Antarctica. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was located about 200 kilometers south of Puerto Williams at a shallow depth of roughly 10 kilometers. Several smaller tremors were recorded afterward, indicating continued seismic activity in the area.
Emergency officials noted that coastal regions in Chile’s Magallanes Region could experience moderate wave activity, while portions of Antarctica might see milder effects. Local authorities began guiding residents away from low-lying areas as a precaution, and early footage showed organized movement of families toward designated safe zones. Communities were encouraged to bring essential items and remain attentive to instructions from local response teams.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric encouraged residents to stay informed through official sources and emphasized that response teams had been deployed to assist with evaluations in nearby regions. He highlighted that the area, while lightly populated, requires careful monitoring due to its geographical exposure. Government agencies continued reviewing conditions near the epicenter to determine any potential local impacts.
Chile lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent seismic activity. The country has experienced significant events throughout its history, contributing to its strong preparedness systems. Officials stated that monitoring efforts would continue throughout the day and encouraged coastal communities to remain aware of updates, as ocean conditions may shift as assessments progress.