6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes northwest of Anchorage, Alaska: USGS

6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northwest of Anchorage, Alaska

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0 struck Alaska early Thursday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

Location and Timing

According to the USGS, the quake occurred at approximately 8:11 a.m. local time, about 45 miles northwest of Anchorage. The epicenter was located at a depth of around 25 miles beneath the surface.

Impact and Reports

The shaking was felt widely across south-central Alaska, including Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. While residents described feeling significant tremors, early reports indicated no immediate major damage or casualties. Emergency services monitored the situation, and state geologists began evaluating infrastructure and potential aftershock risks.

Agency Statement

“This is a reminder that Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in the world,” said a spokesperson for the Alaska Earthquake Center.

The Alaska Earthquake Center and USGS are continuing to assess the event and confirm its final magnitude after reviewing additional seismic data.

Context

Alaska frequently experiences earthquakes due to its position along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tectonic plates converge. The region occasionally sees significant seismic activity, such as the devastating 1964 magnitude 9.2 earthquake near Prince William Sound.

Author Summary: A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday morning, causing widespread tremors but no immediate reports of serious damage.

ABC News — 2025-11-28