Santiago, Chile - On Friday, Chile and Argentina's southern coastal 7.4 earthquakes were hit by a evacuation of the Chilean coastline throughout the Magaran region, as well as a suspension of water activities and sailing in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province.

There was no damage or casualties initially.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the earthquake was located under the ocean 219 kilometers (173 miles) south of the Argentine city of Ushuaia.

Chilean authorities have issued evacuation alerts throughout the coastal area of ​​the country’s southernmost Strait.

Due to the “tsunami warning, evacuation safe areas are being ordered for coastal departments in the Magalani River region,” Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service said in a message sent to the public.

It also demands that all beach areas in the Antarctic region of Chile also be abandoned.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric wrote on X that “all resources are available” to deal with potential emergencies.

"We call on the evacuation of the coastline throughout the Magaran region," Polic wrote. "At present, our responsibility is to be prepared and pay attention to the authorities."

The streets are quickly filled with residents looking for shelter, according to images played by local TV stations on local TV stations. Many of them are carrying bags.

The evacuation proceeded quietly without panic. "We received an alarm that we had to evacuate the work, but people were calm and well prepared," Roberto Ramírez told 24 Hours.

The Chilean Navy (SHOA) Hydrological and Oceanographic Service reported that waves can reach Antarctica as early as possible, and can take up to 12 hours to reach more remote locations.

In the Argentine city of Ushuaia, local authorities believe that the southernmost part of the world will be at least three hours of all types of water activities and sailing on the Beagle channel. No material damage or evacuation was reported.

"The earthquake was mainly in Ushayaya City, and to a lesser extent in towns across the province." "In the face of such incidents, it is important to stay calm."

____

Débora Rey of Buenos Aires contributed.

____

Follow AP coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean