A tsunami threat was issued for Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage, the body of water separating South America and Antarctica.

The US Geological Survey detected the quake at 4:29pm ET on Friday, initially measuring it at magnitude 7.8 and later revising it to 7.6. It originated at a depth of about nine miles. 

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert 19 minutes later, warning that hazardous waves were possible along coasts within about 620 miles of the epicenter, particularly in Chile. 

'No tsunami waves higher than 0.3 meters (about one foot) are expected for any coast. The center will continue monitoring nearby sea-level gauges to confirm this forecast,' a 5:30

The threat was canceled around 5:30pm, with the warning saying: 'No tsunami waves higher than 0.3 meters (about one foot) are expected for any coast. 

'The center will continue monitoring nearby sea-level gauges to confirm this forecast

Officials said tsunami waves can take hours to reach coastal areas, and advised residents to remain alert for updates. 

'Authorities should continue to inform and instruct coastal residents as needed,' the message said. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) quickly issued an alert, warning that tsunami impacts could vary depending on the coastline's shape, elevation and underwater topography, as well as the state of the tide when the waves arrive.

The first wave was projected to reach Puerto Williams at 6:36am ET on October 11, followed by Punta Arenas at 2:49pm ET the same day.

Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA) also released a statement Friday evening, placing most of the country's coast under 'informative' status, indicating no immediate tsunami threat.

However, the Chilean Antarctic Territory was placed under 'precaution' status, signaling the potential for minor tsunami activity.

The agency said its assessment was based on a worst-case scenario and reminded the public that 'a tsunami can last for hours, and the first wave is not always the most destructive.'

Immediately after the earthquake hit, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center began closely monitoring sea-level gauges along the Chilean coast and deep-ocean sensors across the South Pacific, analyzing real-time data for even slight fluctuations in water height that could indicate a developing tsunami. 

When the instruments showed no significant changes in sea level, confirming that the earthquake had not displaced enough water to generate a dangerous tsunami, the center downgraded its threat assessment. 

Friday's threat comes just months after Chile was forced to evacuate due to an incoming tsunami. 

On May 2, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Argentina, triggering a tsunami warning. 

The quake hit around 124 miles south of Puerto Williams, which officials feared could see nine-foot-tall waves.

SHOA estimated that waves would reach bases in Antarctica and cities in Chile's extreme south in hours after the seismic activity.

Video footage from the region showed civilians slowly making their way out of the danger zone.

Another clip, this time taken from the city of Punta Arenas, showed scores of people evacuating the city, alongside dozens of cars that were speeding out of the region.

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