(Express) – 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 epicenter. However, there is scarce infrastructure or buildings close to where the quake hit – 48km north of Bristol Island, South Sandwich Islands.
The earthquake, which was initially reported as a magnitude 7.5 on the Richter Scale, struck at a depth of 164.7km and was later downgraded to a magnitude 7.1. 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 epicenter was 61km northeast of Bristol Island, a small island comprising several active volcanoes. READ MORE