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.
The increase in arrests follows the Indian government's 2021 decision
Heading to Egypt for a regional peace summit.
Pakistan shut down major border crossings
The couple will join its economics faculty
Trump administration has called for new warning labels
She continues to lead the struggle
The strikes targeted a training facility
María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
The 51-year-old builder was reportedly humiliated by acquaintances
Pakistan’s authorities have suspended mobile internet and telecom services
The quake struck offshore near Manay town
Modi said, supports all diplomatic efforts
Hamas is expected to disarm and relinquish control over Gaza
Matchmaking platforms in India are introducing US-visa status
Kulman Ghising, credited with ending Nepal’s power cuts and reforming the energy...
NATO forces successfully intercepted a large-scale overnight drone raid launched...
Priya Sachdev’s lawyer has questioned Karisma Kapoor’s absence from Sunjay Kapur...
Qatar has strongly condemned what it describes as a “cowardly criminal assault”...
Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Krishna Sail has been arrested by the Enforcement...
