In a dramatic turn of events, Chile has sounded the alarm with a tsunami warning following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that rocked the southern coast, impacting both Chile and Argentina.

The Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response has declared a dire "red alert" for coastal regions in the Magallanes area and the Antarctic territory, urging immediate evacuations due to the imminent tsunami threat.

Residents from several communities, including the town of Puerto Williams, have been hastily relocated. The agency is actively assessing the impact of the quake on the population and the state of infrastructure, though no injuries or major damage have been reported so far.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred in the Drake Passage, near Cape Horn and Antarctica, at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers (six miles), intensifying concerns about its potential impact.

Magallanes, Chile's largest and most southerly region, holds a sparse population of around 166,000 people, making the response even more crucial.

President Gabriel Boric has mobilized resources nationwide to tackle the situation, taking to social media to implore citizens along the coast to evacuate.

He emphasized, "At this time, our duty is to be prepared and heed the authorities' warnings." Videos circulating on social media depict orderly evacuations as emergency sirens ring out.

Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) warns that tsunami waves may reach bases in Antarctica and areas in extreme southern Chile in the next few hours.

In nearby Argentina, the city of Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world, has suspended all maritime activities and navigation in the Beagle Channel for a minimum of three hours.

Local government officials reassured residents, stating, "The earthquake was felt primarily in Ushuaia, and while it’s vital to stay calm, preparedness is key in these situations."