A strong earthquake rattled the Drake Passage, the region connecting South America and Antarctica, on Friday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was initially measured at a magnitude of 8, but was later revised to 7.5 on the Richter scale. The earthquake’s epicenter was located just 11 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface.
The quake’s center was situated approximately 700 kilometers southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina. The city is home to around 57,000 residents, though no significant damage has been reported so far.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami alert was issued in connection with this earthquake. Previously, a short-lived tsunami warning had been issued for parts of Chile’s coastal areas. Chile’s Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service also reported that a precautionary alert had been issued near the Antarctic region, centered about 258 kilometers northwest of the Frei Base.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the earthquake’s impact and spread, but no signs of a tsunami or major threat have been observed at this time.