Santiago, August 22 — A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the Drake Passage, the waterway separating South America’s southern tip from Antarctica, on Thursday. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Chile’s National Emergency Office (ONEMI) briefly issued a tsunami alert for southern coastal regions, urging residents to move away from beaches as a precaution. The alert was lifted within hours after further analysis showed no significant tsunami threat. Authorities, however, asked locals to remain cautious and follow safety advisories.

The quake’s epicenter was located hundreds of kilometers offshore, reducing the risk of widespread destruction. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far in Chile or Argentina. Seismic activity in this region is common due to the complex tectonic interactions between the South American Plate, Scotia Plate, and Antarctic Plate.

The Drake Passage is one of the world’s roughest maritime zones, and Thursday’s earthquake once again highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability. Chile, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is among the most earthquake-prone countries globally, with strict building codes and emergency systems in place.

Officials said monitoring will continue over the next 24 hours to assess any aftershocks. Residents in southern Chile shared reports of mild shaking but confirmed that daily life has largely returned to normal.