Very strong and shallow M6.9 earthquake struck South Sandwich Islands region

A very strong and shallow earthquake measuring M6.9 (downgraded from M7.1) on the Richter scale struck South Sandwich Islands region, South Atlantic Ocean, on June 29, 2014, at 07:52 UTC. USGS is reporting depth of 16.5 km (10.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.2 at depth of 10 km.

Epicenter was located 152 km (94 miles) NW of Visokoi Island and 2497 km (1552 miles) ESE of Ushuaia, Argentina.

There are no people living within 100 km radius.

USGS issued green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Image credit: USGS

By 14:32 UTC, USGS reported 8 strong earthquakes in the same region:

1. 5.7157km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 14:32:49 UTC10.0 km
2. 5.6151km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 14:20:37 UTC10.0 km
3. 5.0176km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 13:41:23 UTC10.0 km
4. 5.1169km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 12:11:20 UTC10.0 km
5. 4.9172km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 12:05:38 UTC10.0 km
6. 5.1164km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 08:28:55 UTC10.0 km
7. 5.1152km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 08:21:04 UTC10.0 km
8. 6.9154km NNW of Visokoi Island,2014-06-29 07:52:56 UTC16.5 km

Featured image: USGS