A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Southcentral Alaska on Thursday morning, causing notable shaking but no immediate severe damage. The quake struck at 8:11 a.m., with its epicenter located 37 miles northwest of Anchorage at a depth of 45 miles.
Details of the Thanksgiving Morning Earthquake
The Alaska Earthquake Center reported that residents across various regions felt the tremor. Areas affected included:
- Anchorage
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough
- Kenai Peninsula
- Fairbanks
Seismologist Insights
Mike West, the state seismologist, emphasized the quake’s depth, explaining that the depth reduced the impact on the surface. “You were still 45 miles away, even if you were directly above it,” he stated. This earthquake was not an aftershock of the 7.1 magnitude quake that hit Anchorage in November 2018 but rather a result of similar tectonic activity.
Aftershocks and Damage Reports
West predicted minor aftershocks in the weeks or months to come. Although there have been no significant damage reports, he anticipated some minor issues, such as cracked drywall. Residents experiencing any damage are encouraged to report it to the Alaska Earthquake Center.
Infrastructure Inspections
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced plans to inspect infrastructure for earthquake-related damage. This includes thorough checks of:
- Roads
- Bridges
Currently, the department does not expect any travel disruptions due to this earthquake. Updates on the situation will be provided through their social media channels and official website.
