A major 7.4 earthquake shook the remote waters of the Drake Passage on August 21, 2025, sending shockwaves across the southern tip of South America and prompting widespread evacuations in Chile and Argentina. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake registered a magnitude of 7.5 and was centered at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter situated between Cape Horn and Antarctica.
The seismic event occurred at approximately 02:16 UTC, jarring the sparsely populated region known for some of the roughest ocean conditions in the world. Although the Drake Passage is isolated and primarily home to research outposts and shipping traffic, authorities acted quickly to ensure public safety. Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) immediately activated its “maximum disaster alert” status, ordering the evacuation of coastal areas in the Magallanes region and moving over 1,700 people to higher ground — including research station personnel on the Antarctic peninsula and communities near Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales.
Argentina responded similarly, relocating approximately 2,000 residents from vulnerable coastal zones in Tierra del Fuego, and suspending maritime navigation for several hours while officials assessed for further risk. President Gabriel Boric of Chile stated, “Our responsibility is to stay vigilant and follow authorities’ guidance,” urging calm and compliance as all available resources were mobilized.
While initial tsunami alerts were issued and emergency protocols enacted, no injuries or significant damage have been reported to date. Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service warned that waves ranging from one to three meters could impact the shoreline but, as of Friday morning, these risks appeared under control. The German Research Center for Geosciences noted aftershocks and varying magnitude assessments, with reported values as high as 8.0, though agencies have largely converged on a 7.5 rating for main event.
Experts underscore that South America’s southern region is a hotspot for seismic activity due to the interaction of the Nazca, South American, and Antarctic tectonic plates. The event highlights ongoing vulnerability for both scientific infrastructure and local populations, with authorities coordinating further monitoring for aftershocks and consulting international seismic agencies for additional assessment.
As officials continue response efforts, maritime activities remain restricted and infrastructure inspections are underway. Emergency operations centers are activated in both countries to coordinate resource allocation and public communication. Residents are urged to remain in safe zones and await official updates.
More information and updates will follow as agencies release further assessments.
