Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits South Sandwich Islands region

An earthquake of magnitude M5.6 was recorded at 05:06 UTC on October 29, 2026, in the South Sandwich Islands region. The event originated at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), with its epicenter located at coordinates 28.0°S, 60.3°W.

The coordinates place the quake offshore in the remote South Sandwich Islands region, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, far from major inhabited landmasses. This area is characterized by a sparsely populated sub-Antarctic island chain.

Given the offshore nature of the South Sandwich Islands region, this earthquake occurred far from significant population centers and critical infrastructure. There are no large urban areas, airports, or ports nearby.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was III, and the significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The South Sandwich Islands region is located along the subduction zone where the South American Plate converges with the small South Sandwich Plate, an area known for frequent seismic activity.

This information was last updated at 05:28 UTC on October 29, 2026.