A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage, the stretch of ocean between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica, on Friday evening, prompting emergency authorities to issue a tsunami warning.
The quake occurred just before 5:30 p.m. local time (2030 GMT) at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was powerful enough to trigger immediate alerts from both Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).
Authorities issued a precautionary evacuation order for coastal areas in Chile’s Antarctic territory, urging residents and personnel to move away from beaches as a safety measure. However, the warnings were withdrawn roughly an hour later, after further assessments indicated that the risk of a destructive tsunami had diminished.
Experts noted that the deep waters and turbulent seas of the Drake Passage make it less likely for tsunami waves to build significant strength before reaching land. While the quake was strong, the natural geography of the region helped reduce the potential impact of the seismic event.
The incident highlights the seismic volatility of the Southern Ocean, where tectonic activity is frequent due to the interaction of the South American and Antarctic plates. Although no major damage or casualties were reported, the event served as a reminder of the ongoing risks in one of the world’s most remote but geologically active regions.
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