On Friday Afternoon a Shallow M5.3 AFTERSHOCK struck in the South Atlantic Ocean 265km from Ushuaia (Argentina).

Written by Earthquakelist.org on May 2nd, 2025. Last updated May 19th, 2025.

A shallow and significant Magnitude 5.3 aftershock struck in the South Atlantic Ocean 265 kilometer from Ushuaia, Argentina in the late afternoon of Friday May 2nd, 2025. Such earthquakes in regions like this usually have a minimal impact on people and the economy.

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Earthquake Summary

This earthquake hit under water in the South Atlantic Ocean, 242 kilometers (150 mi) off the coast of Argentina, 265 kilometer south-southeast of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. The center of this earthquake had a very shallow depth of 10 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time:	May 2, 2025 17:14 (Ushuaia Time) - May 2, 2025 20:14 Universal Time.
Location:	265 km SSE of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Coordinates 57°7'5"S 67°14'43"W.
Map:	Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude:	MAG 5.3 Detected by 139 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.05 .
Depth:	10 km (6 mi) A very shallow depth.
Max. Intensity:	IV Light On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk:	Low tsunami risk Earthquakes under MAG-6.5 do not usually cause tsunami's. Always stay cautious - More info here.

Minimal impact predicted

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities, and a 96% chance that the number of fatalities falls no higher than 10.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact, and a 96% chance that the economic impact of this earthquake falls no higher than 10 million USD.

Not many people felt this earthquake

The USGS has published a report estimating the number of people exposed to this earthquake. Acoording to their analysis, roughly 50 have been exposed to shaking at an MMI level of II or higher.

Weak shaking and probably no damage may have been experienced by an estimated 40 people. At III, it is the highest MMI level this earthquake has caused.

People in 2 countries have been exposed to shaking. In Chile , around 50 people, with impact levels up to III (weak shaking, probably no damage).

Nearby towns and cities

This earthquake may have been felt in Argentina . The closest significant population center near the earthquake is Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Ushuaia is located 265 kilometer (165 mi) south-southeast of the epicenter.

Overview of nearby places

Earthquake Intensity Map

The maximum intensity (MMI Scale) caused by this earthquake is III. The map below shows in which areas this earthquake was the most and least impactful. It is based on data from the US Geographic Survey.

I Not felt

II Weak

III Weak

IV Light

V Moderate

VI Strong

VII Very Strong

VIII Severe

IX Violent

X Extreme

This is likely an aftershock

This earthquake was an aftershock. A larger mag. 7.4 earthquake struck 69 km (43 mi) west-northwest in advance of this 5.3 earthquake around 7 hrs earlier.

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

More earthquakes coming?

Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.

The chance that a significant earthquake like this one is followed by an even larger earthquake is not so large. On average, scientists estimate a 94% chance that a major earthquake will not be followed by an even larger one. It is still adviced to be aware of this risk

Earthquakes like this happen often in the region

Earthquakes of this strength are very common in the region. In total, 14 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.3 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 9 months.

Low tsunami risk

Based on early data it appears this earthquake was not strong enough (lower than MAG-6.5) to be likely to cause destructive tsunami's. However this earthquake appeared to have hit at a shallow depth under sea, so stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Sources

Last updated 19/05/25 21:48 (). This article is automatically generated based on available data. We keep checking multiple sources for additional information. This article gets updated as new details on this earthquake become available.

1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us7000pwrl
2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20250502_0000314
3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
4. Google Maps: Static API
5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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