Magnitude 7.1 massive earthquake rattles Antarctica, no tsunami warning issued

A magnitude 7.1 quake struck in the southern Atlantic Ocean, close to the South Sandwich Islands north of Antarctica, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.5, was in a remote area and fairly deep underground. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in an advisory that it did not cause a tsunami threat. Bristol Island, close to where the earthquake hit, is an 8km-long island nestled midway between Montagu Island and Thule Island in the South Sandwich Islands close to South Georgia.

What we know so far:

• It struck at a depth of 164.7km and was later downgraded to a 7.1 magnitude
• Nearby affected places include the Argentine territory of Tierra del Fuego and mainland Chile
• The quake struck close to the British-owned Sandwich Islands, which are home to several active volcanoes
• Its epicentre was 61km northeast of Bristol Island, a small island comprising several active volcanoes

The earthquake’s magnitude means it could cause damage to most buildings and cause some to partially or completely collapse or receive severe damage. It also means it can be felt across great distances with major damage mostly limited to 250km from the epicentre. However, there is scarce infrastructure or buildings close to where the quake hit.

Read: Earthquake hits Russia, Fiji And Taiwan

The last known eruption on Bristol Island was in 2016. The quake, which struck at 2.26am, was in a remote area and fairly deep underground, meaning aftershocks are less likely, according to Britannica.

Read: Has A Volcano Erupted In The Quake-Hit Indonesia? Here's The Truth.