A powerful magnitude-7.4 earthquake shook the Drake Passage between the South Atlantic and Southern oceans early Friday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, prompting immediate regional tsunami warnings.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System activated alerts for surrounding coastlines within hours of the quake. Chilean authorities have ordered evacuations in the Magallanes region's coastal areas as a precautionary measure. “Our teams are coordinating with local communities to ensure safety,” stated Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service.
While the remote location of the quake minimizes immediate human impact, scientists emphasize vigilance for potential oceanic disturbances. The event highlights the seismic volatility of the Drake Passage, a critical maritime corridor connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
