A 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit off southern Argentina early this morning, “triggering tsunami alerts” across parts of southern South America and even Antarctica. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck “roughly 200 kilometers south of Puerto Williams” at a shallow 10-kilometer depth, followed by “several aftershocks, including at least four measurable events.”

Emergency officials warned that tsunami waves could reach nine feet in Chile’s Magallanes Region, while Antarctica might see waves of about three feet. Coastal towns such as Punta Arenas began evacuating low-lying neighborhoods, and families were urged to follow instructions and bring essentials, including items for pets.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric asked the public to stay calm and rely on official updates. He said government teams were already assessing conditions near the epicenter and supporting local response efforts. Although the Magallanes Region has few residents, its location makes it especially vulnerable to seismic events.

Chile’s location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” means strong earthquakes are common. The country has a long history with major seismic disasters, including the “1960 Valdivia earthquake,” still the most powerful ever recorded. Officials said monitoring will continue and urged coastal communities to remain alert as wave patterns may change quickly.