An earthquake of Magnitude 7.5 struck the Drake Passage on Thursday, between South America and Antarctica, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was initially reported at magnitude 8 but was later revised down to Magnitude 7.5.
The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of about 11 kilometers (7 miles). The USGS reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is home to nearly 57,000 residents.
Soon after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert for possible tsunami waves along Chile’s coast. However, the warning was later withdrawn, and officials confirmed there was no tsunami threat linked to the Magnitude 7.5 quake.
Chile’s Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service also issued a temporary tsunami warning for its Antarctic territory. The agency noted that the earthquake struck 258 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of the Base Frei station. Authorities said monitoring would continue, but no dangerous waves were recorded.
Seismologists explained that the Drake Passage is a seismically active region due to the interaction of tectonic plates near South America and Antarctica. Earthquakes of this scale are not unusual in the area, but the shallow depth of this event made it more noticeable.
Emergency services in both Argentina and Chile confirmed that no damage or casualties had been reported. Still, officials advised residents in southern coastal areas to remain cautious and follow safety updates.
The incident highlights the importance of global earthquake monitoring systems, which provide rapid alerts to reduce risks for coastal populations. Scientists continue to study seismic activity in the Drake Passage to better understand the potential threats it poses.
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