Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Strikes Southern Drake Passage
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed that there is no tsunami threat to the Philippines following the powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that hit the Southern Drake Passage on Friday morning. This 7.5 magnitude earthquake at the Southern Drake Passage occurred at 10:16 a.m. Manila Time, with a depth of 11 kilometers, officials reported.
Located between South America and Antarctica, the Drake Passage is a 500-mile-wide turbulent strait connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Given its remote location, the quake’s impact on the Philippines remains minimal.
Phivolcs Affirms No Tsunami Risk for the Philippines
Phivolcs issued a clear advisory on social media stating, “No destructive tsunami threat exists based on available data.” The agency emphasized that this information is for public awareness, adding, “There is no tsunami threat to the Philippines from this earthquake.”
Consequently, the state seismology department advised that no precautionary actions are necessary within the country. Community members and local leaders were reassured by this update.
International Agencies Confirm Safety
The United States-based National Tsunami Warning Center also confirmed that a tsunami was not expected following the quake. This international confirmation supports the local authorities’ assessments.
Meanwhile, Chile’s national disaster response service, Senapred, classified the earthquake as “medium intensity.” They issued a “precautionary alert” specifically for the Antarctic territory, urging residents to take caution.
Precautionary Measures in Antarctic and Chilean Regions
A source from the Chilean interior ministry assured that there is no danger for the Magallanes region, which is the southernmost inhabited area of South America. Nonetheless, Senapred recommended that people avoid beach areas and rocky shores in the national Antarctic territory as a precaution.
“The state of precaution requires abandoning beach areas and rocky shores of the national Antarctic territory,” the agency stated. These measures aim to protect residents and researchers stationed in these vulnerable zones.
Summary and Public Reassurance
Overall, local and international agencies agree that the magnitude 7.5 earthquake at the Southern Drake Passage poses no tsunami threat to the Philippines. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely but encourage the public to remain calm and informed.
For more news and updates on natural disasters and earthquake safety, visit Filipinokami.com.
