UPDATE - Chile issues tsunami warning after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattles south of Argentina

UPDATE WITH NEW INFO, CHANGES IN LEDE, DECK, HEADLINE

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake south of Argentina on Friday, Chilean authorities issued a tsunami warning and ordered the evacuation of beach areas in the Antarctic Territory and the Magallanes Region.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 219 kilometers (136 miles) south of Argentina on Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

The quake hit at 9.58 a.m. local time (1258GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to an initial assessment by the agency.

Argentine authorities did not issue any immediate reports of casualties or damage.

However, Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) estimated the quake's magnitude at 7.8, locating it 305 kilometers south of Puerto Williams and issuing a tsunami warning to coastal areas.

As a precaution, Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has ordered the evacuation of beaches in the Antarctic Territory and Magallanes Region.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font urged residents to follow official instructions, stating, X: “We call for evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magallanes region. Our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities.”