Tsunami warnings have been issued for coastal areas of Chile and Argentina after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile and the Pacific Ocean.
The quake struck off the southern tip of South America on May 2, with its epicenter 219 kilometers (115 miles) from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Chile’s remote Magallanes region, parts of Antarctica controlled by Chile, and Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego region.
The earthquake, which struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the seabed, was felt in Argentina and Chile.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and move to higher ground.
Chilean President Gabriel Borissov wrote on social media that emergency evacuations were underway along the Magallanes coast.
Authorities are urging residents to evacuate to areas at least 30 meters above sea level due to the risk of a tsunami.
More than 2,000 people have been evacuated in Chile, while emergency evacuations are also underway in Argentina.
A tsunami warning has not been lifted for several hours after the quake. Videos circulating on social media show crowds of people heading to higher ground.
Chile is located at the junction of three major tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. The tremors were felt more strongly in Chile, while Argentina was said to be weaker than its neighbours.
Source: BBC