Why it's trending
The occurrence of two moderate-to-strong earthquakes within days in a remote but notable region (Drake Passage near southern Chile and Argentina) has drawn attention, alongside a PAHO statement linking earthquakes to hospital preparedness in Venezuela, sparking discussions about earthquake risks and infrastructure resilience.
A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occurred on July 24, 2026, at 07:10 pm (GMT -4) approximately 292 km south-southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina, according to Volcano Discovery. The quake hit in the Drake Passage, an area known for tectonic activity.
Just days earlier, on July 21, 2026, a moderate magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the South Atlantic Ocean, about 189 km south of Isla Grevy, in Chile's Magallanes region. Both events were reported by Volcano Discovery, though no damage or injuries have been detailed in the headlines.
Separately, Reuters Connect released a licensable video titled 'PAHO calls for strengthening hospitals in Venezuela after earthquakes and crisis.' The video highlights the Pan American Health Organization's concerns about hospital resilience in Venezuela following recent earthquakes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
These events underscore the persistent seismic activity in South America and raise questions about preparedness in vulnerable regions. While the two southern earthquakes occurred in sparsely populated areas, the PAHO statement points to broader implications for healthcare infrastructure in earthquake-prone countries.
Timeline
- Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake South of Isla Grevy
A moderate earthquake struck the South Atlantic Ocean, 189 km south of Isla Grevy, Chile, as reported by Volcano Discovery.
- Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Near Ushuaia, Argentina
A strong earthquake occurred 292 km south-southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina, in the Drake Passage, according to Volcano Discovery.
- PAHO Calls for Hospital Strengthening in Venezuela
Reuters Connect released a video showing PAHO urging improvements to hospital infrastructure in Venezuela after earthquakes and the ongoing crisis.
Questions people ask
What was the magnitude of the earthquake near Ushuaia?
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck about 292 km south-southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina, on July 24, 2026, according to Volcano Discovery.
Were there other recent earthquakes in the same region?
Yes, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred on July 21, 2026, south of Isla Grevy, Chile, in the South Atlantic Ocean, as reported by Volcano Discovery.
Why is PAHO concerned about Venezuela after earthquakes?
PAHO has released a video calling for strengthening hospitals in Venezuela, citing both recent earthquakes and the country's ongoing crisis, as per Reuters Connect.
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