A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the state of Alaska on Saturday, December 6, with the U.S. Geological Survey reporting Yakutat as the closest populated region to the epicenter.
The quake occurred shortly after noon local time, approximately 90 kilometers north of Yakutat. According to seismic data, the earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
Following the initial shock, multiple aftershocks were recorded, several exceeding magnitude 5.0. Ground movement was felt across a wide area, including Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, nearly 500 kilometers away from the epicenter.
The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there is currently no tsunami threat, though experts have stated that monitoring will continue to ensure public safety.
As of now, no casualties or major structural damage have been reported.
Earthquakes in the magnitude 7 range are classified as “major,” capable of causing significant damage to infrastructure. On average, Earth experiences around 18 such quakes annually, while even stronger events of magnitude 8.0 or above occur roughly once per year.
Authorities continue to track seismic activity in the region to assess ongoing risks.
