Chile Cancels Evacuation Orders After Powerful Earthquake Near Antarctica
Authorities in Chile have cancelled evacuation orders after a powerful earthquake struck off the country’s southern coast early on Friday. The 7.4 magnitude quake triggered temporary tsunami warnings, prompting evacuations across remote areas and bases in Antarctica.
Earthquake Strikes Near Cape Horn
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres. It hit in the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica, shortly after 9 a.m. local time. Despite the strength of the quake, no immediate damage to infrastructure or injuries were reported.
Chilean emergency services agency SENAPRED confirmed that all essential systems remained intact. Authorities later lifted evacuation orders after closely monitoring the situation.
Thousands Evacuated Amid Tsunami Fears
Before the cancellation, around 2,000 individuals, including residents and personnel at Antarctic bases, were instructed to move to higher ground. In various towns across southern Chile, sirens were heard warning of a possible tsunami.
Social media videos showed calm evacuations, with people walking towards safety while sirens echoed in the background. Photos captured scenes of parks and designated safe zones filled with students, workers, and families.
Sea Level Changes Monitored
During a Friday afternoon press briefing, SENAPRED director Alicia Cebrian confirmed a minor sea level change at Prat Base in Antarctica. The recorded variation was 6 centimetres. She noted that wave changes of up to 90 centimetres could potentially occur along the Chilean coast.
Following the update, the evacuation order for Antarctica was lifted. However, the Magallanes region in the far south remained on alert for several more hours. Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde advised the public to avoid beaches and coastal areas until it was safe.
Later in the afternoon, SENAPRED officially lifted all remaining evacuation orders. Nonetheless, authorities continue to monitor the area as over a dozen aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake.
with inputs from Reuters
